Introduction to Biology - The Secret of Life
Explore the building blocks of life that connect biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and genomics to human health.
Course Information
Certificate Track
Learn for Free
About this Course
Are you ready to understand the advancements in biology that have made today’s remarkable medical revolution possible? This online course from the MIT Department of Biology is an exciting learning experience that reflects the rigorous approach to topics taught in MIT’s on-campus introductory biology classes, equipping you with essential knowledge in the field.
Begin your journey by exploring the structure and function of essential macromolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins. You will discover how structural changes in these macromolecules alter their biological functions and influence human health. Gain insights into heredity and the flow of information within cells and apply this knowledge to understand the molecular basis of disease. Discover molecular biology techniques and their transformative potential in addressing global health challenges.
You can audit this course free of charge! Engage with videos, self-assessment questions, and interactive problem sets designed to reinforce your understanding of biology. Receive immediate feedback as you progress through the course materials at your own pace. To maximize your success, we strongly encourage participation in all activities as you work toward learning key biological concepts.
For those seeking a formal recognition for mastering the skills you learn, we offer a thorough means of certifying learners through the Competency Exam. Note that this challenging option is available only to those who register for the verified-certificate track and requires a passing score to earn a certificate.
Good luck in your learning journey!
What you'll learn
- How to describe the building blocks of life and how their interactions dictate structure and function in biology
- How to predict genotypes and phenotypes given genetics data
- How to explain the central dogma of molecular biology and convert DNA sequence to RNA sequence to protein sequence
- How to use molecular tools to study biology
- How to describe the principles of early sequencing, as well as modern sequencing, and the effects of these technologies on the field of genomics
- How to apply the principles of modern biology to issues in today's society
Prerequisites
High school level biology and chemistry recommended. A desire to learn is required.
Meet your instructors
Eric S. Lander
Founding Director of the Broad Institute; Professor of Biology at MIT
Eric S. Lander is interested in every aspect of the human genome and its application to medicine. He is a Professor of Biology at MIT and Professor of Systems Biology at Harvard Medical School. He is the Founding Director of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. Lander was one of the principal leaders of the Human Genome Project. He and his colleagues are using these findings to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the basis of human diseases.
