#  Secondary Field Course Petitions 

 



We do not waive requirements, but will consider requests for course substitutions. Petitioning is a two-step process: the MBB petition and the Registrar petition. MBB petitions should consist of a statement and course syllabus. They should be emailed to Shawn Harriman at [shawn\_harriman@harvard.edu](mailto:shawn_harriman@harvard.edu), who will consult with faculty reviewers and email you their decision usually within several days. Note that a well-crafted petition statement increases your likelihood of success.  
  
MBB Petitions for Foundation Courses  
  
Psychology 1: If you have received an AP 5 or IB 7 test score based on high school coursework, you may petition for a substitute course. Next-level psychology courses (Psychology 13, 14, 15, 16, 18) are usually approved, but other upper-level psychology courses are also possible. Your petition statement should explain how your AP or IB course work, your proposed substitute course, and any other coursework or experience (like research) combine to give you a background comparable to that provided by Psychology 1. To make your case with specificity, it is helpful to consult a Psychology 1 syllabus for its units and requirements. Be sure to include a syllabus of the proposed substitute course.  
  
Neuroscience 80: Substitutions are rare but possible for special circumstances. To determine the best substitute courses to petition, consult a neuroscience concentration advisor ([Neuroscience Contact Us - Harvard University - Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology](https://www.mcb.harvard.edu/undergraduate/neuroscience/neuro-contact-us/)). In your petition statement, mention (1) mention the circumstances that prevent you from taking Neuroscience 80; (2) note the neuroscience advisor you spoke with and the advice they gave you; and (3) describe the overlap between your proposed substitute course and Neuroscience 80. As Neuroscience 80 is a unique and broad courses, perfect overlap is not required for a petition to be successful. Be sure to include a syllabus of the proposed substitute course.  
  
MBB Petitions for Secondary Field Electives  
  
The annual list of electives is large but not exhaustive. If you would like credit for a course not on the list, your statement should explain how the course covers a subject of interest to mind, brain, and behavior and if possible how it uses multiple perspectives in doing so. Be sure to include a syllabus of the proposed course.  
  
  
REGISTRAR PETITION  
  
Once your MBB petition has been approved, you will next need to request an exception to standard requirements in your advising report on my.harvard. These requests will be approved promptly.