4.THU

Undergraduate Thesis

Class meets in-person every spring term.

Program of thesis research leading to the writing of an SB thesis. Intended for seniors. Twelve units recommended.

Cherie Abbanat
Spring
2026
0-1-11
U
Schedule
W 11-12
Location
STUDIO
Prerequisites
4.THT
Required Of
BSA, BSAD
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.022

Design Studio: Introduction to Design Techniques and Technologies

Introduces the tools, techniques and technologies of design across a range of projects in a studio environment. Explores concepts related to form, function, materials, tools, and physical environments through project-based exercises. Develops familiarity with design process, critical observation, and the translation of design concepts into digital and physical reality. Utilizing traditional and contemporary techniques and tools, faculty across various design disciplines expose students to a unique cross-section of inquiry.

Spring
2026
3-3-6
U
Schedule
MW 2-5
Location
Studio 7-434
Prerequisites
4.021 or 4.02A
Required Of
BSA, Architecture Minor
Enrollment
Limited to 25
Preference Given To
Course 4 and 4B majors; Design/Arch minors; and 1st- and 2nd-year students
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.021

Design Studio: How to Design

Introduces fundamental design principles as a way to demystify design and provide a basic introduction to all aspects of the process. Stimulates creativity, abstract thinking, representation, iteration, and design development. Equips students with skills to have more effective communication with designers, and develops their ability to apply the foundations of design to any discipline.

Spring
2026
3-3-6
U
Schedule
MW 2-5
Location
Studio 7-434
Prerequisites
None
Required Of
BSA, BSAD and Architecture Minor
Enrollment
Limited to 25
HASS
A
Preference Given To
Course 4 majors and minors
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.A20

First Year Advising Seminar: DNA Origami Art

Fold DNA to create nanometer-scale art! Learn the basic theory, CAD tools, and methods for folding DNA to create designed geometric shapes. This seminar will provide participants with hands-on experience in creating art using DNA origami technology, from design to assembly. We will also explore DNA imaging techniques utilizing atomic force microscopy. Students will integrate scientific approaches with aesthetics and design, considering the cultural implications of this emerging technology.

Fall
2026
TBA
U
Schedule
TBA
Location
TBA
Prerequisites
None
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.THU

Undergraduate Thesis

Program of thesis research leading to the writing of an SB thesis. Intended for seniors. Twelve units recommended.

Advisor
Fall
2025
0-1-11
U
Schedule
see advisor
Prerequisites
4.119 or 4.THT
Required Of
BSA, BSAD
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes
4.053

Visual Communication Fundamentals

Provides an introduction to visual communication, emphasizing the development of a visual and verbal vocabulary through the lens of typography. Presents the fundamentals of shape, composition, visual hierarchy, word/image relationships, and type systems as building blocks for communicating with clarity, emotion, and meaning. Students develop their ability to analyze, discuss, and critique both their work and the work of the designed world, with an emphasis on type as a visual and conceptual medium.

Fall
2025
3-3-6
U
Schedule
Lecture: M 10-1
Lab: R 2-5
Location
N52-337
Required Of
BSAD
Restricted Elective
Design minor
Enrollment
Limited to 15
Preference Given To
BSAD, Design minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.031

Design Studio: Objects and Interaction

Overview of design as the giving of form, order, and interactivity to the objects that define our daily life. Follows the path from project to interactive product. Covers the overall design process, preparing students for work in a hands-on studio learning environment. Emphasizes design development and constraints. Topics include the analysis of objects; interaction design and user experience; design methodologies, current dialogues in design; economies of scale vs. means; and the role of technology in design. Provides a foundation in prototyping skills such as carpentry, casting, digital fabrication, electronics, and coding.

Fall
2025
3-3-6
U
Schedule
Lecture: W 3-5
Lab: F 2-5
Location
N52-337
Required Of
BSAD
Restricted Elective
BSAD, Design minor
Enrollment
Limited to 15
Preference Given To
BSAD, Design minor
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
Document Uploads
4.023

Architecture Design Studio I

Provides instruction in architectural design and project development within design constraints including architectural program and site. Students engage the design process through various 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional media. Working directly with representational and model making techniques, students gain experience in the conceptual, formal, spatial and material aspects of architecture. Instruction and practice in oral and written communication provided.

Fall
2025
0-12-12
U
Schedule
TRF 1-5
Location
Studio 7-434
Prerequisites
4.022
Required Of
BSA
Restricted Elective
Architecture Minor
Preference Given To
Course 4 majors and minors
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.021

Design Studio: How to Design

Introduces fundamental design principles as a way to demystify design and provide a basic introduction to all aspects of the process. Stimulates creativity, abstract thinking, representation, iteration, and design development. Equips students with skills to have more effective communication with designers, and develops their ability to apply the foundations of design to any discipline.

Fall
2025
3-3-6
U
Schedule
MW 2-5
Location
N52-337
Prerequisites
None
Required Of
BSA, BSAD and Architecture Minor
Enrollment
Limited to 25
HASS
A
Preference Given To
BSA, BSAD, Arch minor; 1st- and 2nd-year students
Can Be Repeated for Credit
No
4.THU

Undergraduate Thesis

Program of thesis research leading to the writing of an SB thesis. Intended for seniors. Twelve units recommended.

Advisor
IAP
2025
0-1-11
U
Schedule
see advisor
Prerequisites
4.119 or 4.THT
Required Of
BSAD
Can Be Repeated for Credit
Yes