Bio 7a to Undergo Full Restructuring Of Labs, Lectures

Biology 7a. "Introductory Biology I," which has been critical recently for the structure of its labs and lectures, will be completely restricted, department officials said last week.

The course, which is the fifth largest in the College, is required of all Biology concentrators and medical school aspirants.

"We plan to ameliorate this by being directly involved in the labs and by concentrating on our lecture plans to insure that they fit together," Associate Professor of Biology William M. Gelbart, one of the course's three instructors, said last week.

The departure of the course's original teachers two years ago has posed problems as well, since the department has had to use different professors each year, Associate Professor of Biology Ronald L. Calabrese, a Bio 7a instructor, said last week.

The course will be rebuilt from scratch with the help of course instructors and teaching fellows, Calabrese added.

The new course material will, probably reflect Gelbart and Calabrese's interest in developmental genetics and neurobiology, Cabot Professor of Biology Lawrence Bogorad said last week.

Gelbert emphasized the modification of laboratory classes into more involved longterm experiments.

Though both Gelbert and Calabrese said they are apprehensive about the magnitude of the project, Calabrese commented, "I get a big charge out of standing in front of a big group, introducing people to new things which I find exciting."

"It's a monumental project which I may regret, but I'll give it a shot," Gelbart added.