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Secrets of Life: Intro to Biology
Explore the fundamentals of biology, from macromolecules to genomics, in this comprehensive MIT course.
Explore the fundamentals of biology, from macromolecules to genomics, in this comprehensive MIT course.
Dive into the fascinating world of biology with this introductory course led by Professor Eric Lander, a leader of the Human Genome Project. This course covers the core concepts of modern biology, including biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, recombinant DNA technology, genomics, and rational medicine. You'll start by examining the structure and function of macromolecules like DNA, RNA, and proteins, and learn how changes in these structures impact human health. The course progresses to cover heredity, information flow within cells, and cutting-edge molecular biological techniques. By the end, you'll have a solid foundation in biology that will help you understand the ongoing medical revolution. This course is designed to match the rigor of MIT's introductory biology courses, offering a challenging and rewarding learning experience for students worldwide.
Instructors:
English
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What you'll learn
Understand the structure and function of biological macromolecules
Explain the principles of genetics and predict inheritance patterns
Describe the central dogma of molecular biology and its role in protein synthesis
Understand the basics of recombinant DNA technology and its applications
Explore the principles of genomics and modern DNA sequencing techniques
Apply biological principles to understand current issues in medicine and biotechnology
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
Live video
Graded assignments, exams
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Limited Access access
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Module Description
This comprehensive course covers the fundamental principles of biology, starting with the basic building blocks of life. Students will learn about the structure and function of macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins, and how they interact to create the complexity of biological systems. The course delves into genetics, exploring how traits are inherited and how genetic information is expressed. A significant portion of the curriculum is dedicated to molecular biology, including the central dogma of molecular biology and the processes of transcription and translation. Students will also learn about cutting-edge technologies in biology, including recombinant DNA techniques and modern genomic sequencing methods. The course concludes by examining how these principles and technologies are applied in modern medicine and biotechnology. Throughout the course, students will engage with interactive problem sets and assessments to reinforce their learning.
Fee Structure
Instructors
12 Courses
Director of Blended and Online Initiatives at MIT
Mary Ellen Wiltrout is the Director of Blended and Online Initiatives and a Lecturer in the Department of Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She earned her Ph.D. from the MIT Department of Biology in 2009 and returned in 2013 to co-create the course 7.00x Introduction to Biology with Professor Eric Lander. In her current role, Mary Ellen oversees the execution and evolution of the digital learning strategy for the Department of Biology, focusing on developing digital learning content, advising on evidence-based teaching practices, creating MITx courses, and researching the impact of design on learner engagement.
1 Course
Pioneering Genomics Scientist and Presidential Science Advisor
Eric Steven Lander is a renowned geneticist, molecular biologist, and mathematician who has fundamentally shaped modern genomic science. As a principal leader of the Human Genome Project from 1990 to 2003, he made transformative contributions to genome mapping, sequencing, and characterization. His research group contributed one-third of all sequencing to the $3 billion project that decoded three billion DNA letters in the human genetic code.
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