/curriculum/biology
Type: /type/page
title: Curriculum: Biology
body: value: The follow curriculum is informed by [MIT's Biology Degree program](https://biology.mit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/UG-Course-Guide-2023-2024.pdf) and the topic's respective syllabi.

# Topics in Biochemistry and Biophysics

• Bioengineering
• Cancer biology
• Cell biology
• Computational and systems biology
• Developmental biology
• Genetics
• Human genetics
• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Molecular medicine and human disease
• Neurobiology
• Plant molecular biology
• Structural biology


# Course Sequence

• [Introductory Biology](https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/7-012-introduction-to-biology-fall-2004/pages/syllabus/)

Includes the fundamental principles of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology. Biological function at the molecular level is particularly emphasized and covers the structure and regulation of genes, as well as, the structure and synthesis of proteins, how these molecules are integrated into cells, and how these cells are integrated into multicellular systems and organisms.


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• [Genetics](https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/7-03-genetics-fall-2004/pages/syllabus/) Click on Bottom right "Download Course"

This course discusses the principles of genetics with application to the study of biological function at the level of molecules, cells, and multicellular organisms, including humans. The topics include: structure and function of genes, chromosomes and genomes, biological variation resulting from recombination, mutation, and selection, population genetics, use of genetic methods to analyze protein function, gene regulation and inherited disease.

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• [Organic Chemistry](https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/5-12-organic-chemistry-i-spring-2003/) Click on Bottom right "Download Course"
This subject deals primarily with the basic principles to understand the structure and reactivity of organic molecules. Emphasis is on substitution and elimination reactions and chemistry of the carbonyl group. 

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• [Biochemistry](https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/7-05-general-biochemistry-spring-2020/)
This course focuses on contributions of biochemistry toward an understanding of the structure and functioning of organisms, tissues, and cells. Topics include: Chemistry and functions of constituents of cells and tissues and the chemical and physical-chemical basis for the structures of nucleic acids, proteins.

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• [Cell Biology](https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/res-7-007-7-06x-cell-biology/)
In this course, you will engage in the biology of cells of higher organisms. You will study the structure, function, and biosynthesis of cellular membranes and organelles; cell growth and oncogenic transformation; transport, receptors, and cell signaling; the cytoskeleton, the extracellular matrix, and cell movements; cell division and cell cycle; functions of specialized cell types. This course emphasizes the current molecular knowledge of cell biological processes as well as the genetic, biochemical, and other experimental approaches that resulted in these discoveries.

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• Theromodynamics

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• [Theromodynamics & Kinetics](https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/5-60-thermodynamics-kinetics-spring-2008/)
This subject deals primarily with equilibrium properties of macroscopic systems, basic thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium of reactions in gas and solution phase, and rates of chemical reactions.

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• [Thermodynamics of Bimolecular systems](https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/20-110j-thermodynamics-of-biomolecular-systems-fall-2005/)
This subject deals primarily with equilibrium properties of macroscopic and microscopic systems, basic thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium of reactions in gas and solution phase, and macromolecular interactions.

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• Fundamentals of Experimental Molecular Biology

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• Communication in Experimental Biology

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# Electives

• Fundamentals of Chemical Biology

Spans the fields of biology, chemistry, and engineering as well as principles of chemical biology and the application of chemical and physical methods and reagents to the study and manipulation of biological systems. Topics include: nucleic acid structure, recognition, and manipulation; protein folding and stability, and proteostasis; bioorthogonal reactions and activity-based protein profiling; chemical genetics and small-molecule inhibitor screening; fluorescent probes for biological analysis and imaging; and unnatural amino acid mutagenesis. Investigates the logic of dynamic post-translational modification reactions with an emphasis on chemical biology approaches for studying complex processes including glycosylation, phosphorylation, and lipidation.

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• [Biochemistry](https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/7-05-general-biochemistry-spring-2020/)

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• Modern Biostatistics
Description: Provides an introduction to probability and statistics used in modern biology. Discrete and continuous probability distributions, statistical modeling, hypothesis testing, Bayesian statistics, independence, conditional probability, Markov chains, methods for data visualization, clustering, principal components analysis, nonparametric methods, Monte Carlo simulations, false discovery rate. Applications to DNA, RNA, and protein sequence analysis; genetics; genomics. Homework involves the R programming language, but prior programming experience is not required.

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[Modern Computational  Biology](https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/6-047-computational-biology-fall-2015/pages/syllabus/)
This course covers the algorithmic and machine learning foundations of computational biology combining theory with practice. We cover both foundational topics in computational biology, and current research frontiers. We study fundamental techniques, recent advances in the field, and work directly with current large-scale biological datasets.


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• Human Physiology
Comprehensive exploration of human physiology, emphasizing the molecular basis and applied aspects of organ function and regulation in health and disease. Includes a review of cell structure and function, as well as the mechanisms by which the endocrine and nervous systems integrate cellular metabolism. Special emphasis on examining the cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and renal systems, as well as liver function, drug metabolism, and pharmacogenetics.

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• Microbial Physiology
Biochemical properties of bacteria and other microorganisms that enable them to grow under a variety of conditions. Interaction between bacteria and bacteriophages. Genetic and metabolic regulation of enzyme action and enzyme formation. Structure and function of components of the bacterial cell envelope. Protein secretion with a special emphasis on its various roles in pathogenesis. Additional topics include bioenergetics, symbiosis, quorum sensing, global responses to DNA damage, and biofilms. 

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• Immunology
Comprehensive survey of molecular, genetic, and cellular aspects of the immune system. Topics include innate and adaptive immunity; cells and organs of the immune system; hematopoiesis; immunoglobulin, T cell receptor, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins and genes; development and functions of B and T lymphocytes; immune responses to infections and tumors; hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, and immunodeficiencies. Particular attention to the development and function of the immune system as a whole, as studied by modern methods and technique.

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• [Molecular Basis of Infectious Disease](https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/7-341-microbes-at-war-the-mechanisms-that-drive-infectious-diseases-fall-2022)
Focuses on the principles of host-pathogen interactions with an emphasis on infectious diseases of humans. Presents key concepts of pathogenesis through the study of various human pathogens. Includes critical analysis and discussion of assigned readings. 

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• Principles of Human Disease and Aging
Covers modern approaches to human diseases and aging, emphasizing the molecular and cellular basis of genetic diseases, infectious diseases, aging, and cancer. Topics include the genetics of simple and complex traits; karyotypic analysis and positional cloning; genetic diagnosis; evolutionary determination of aging, genetic and molecular aspects of aging, HIV/AIDs and other infectious diseases; the roles of oncogenes and tumor suppressors; the interaction between genetics and environment; animal models of human disease, cancer, and aging; and treatment strategies for diseases and aging.


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• [Molecular Biology](https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/res-7-008-7-28x-molecular-biology)
This course is an in-depth adventure through the molecular mechanisms that control the maintenance, expression, and evolution of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. Through lectures and readings of relevant literature, students will explore gene regulation, DNA replication, genetic recombination, transcription, and mRNA translation. The quizzes are designed to build students’ experimental design and data analysis skills.

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• [Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology](https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/9-013j-cell-and-molecular-neurobiology-spring-2008/)
An introductory course for graduate students aimed at providing a synthetic overview of major principles and techniques associated with cellular and molecular neurobiology. Subject matter is intended to range from the detailed mechanics underlying neuronal signaling and cellular function to how these properties are invoked across development and during plasticity.

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• [Cellular Neurobiology](https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/7-29j-cellular-neurobiology-spring-2012/)
This course serves as an introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system. Emphasis is placed on the cellular properties of neurons and other excitable cells. Topics covered include the structure and biophysical properties of excitable cells, synaptic transmission, neurochemistry, neurodevelopment, and the integration of information in simple systems and the visual system.

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• [Fundamentals of Ecology](https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/1-018j-ecology-i-the-earth-system-fall-2009/)
Fundamentals of ecology, considering Earth as an integrated dynamic system. Topics include coevolution of the biosphere, geosphere, atmosphere and oceans; photosynthesis and respiration; the hydrologic, carbon and nitrogen cycles. We will examine the flow of energy and materials through ecosystems; regulation of the distribution and abundance of organisms; structure and function of ecosystems, including evolution and natural selection; metabolic diversity; productivity; trophic dynamics; models of population growth, competition, mutualism and predation.

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• [Systems Biology](https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/8-591j-systems-biology-fall-2014/)
This course provides an introduction to cellular and population-level systems biology with an emphasis on synthetic biology, modeling of genetic networks, cell-cell interactions, and evolutionary dynamics. Cellular systems include genetic switches and oscillators, network motifs, genetic network evolution, and cellular decision-making. Population-level systems include models of pattern formation, cell-cell communication, and evolutionary systems biology.

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• [Evolutionary Biology: Concepts, Models and Computation
Human Genetics and Genomics](https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/6-877j-computational-evolutionary-biology-fall-2005/)
Why has it been easier to develop a vaccine to eliminate polio than to control influenza or AIDS? Has there been natural selection for a ’language gene’? Why are there no animals with wheels? When does ‘maximizing fitness’ lead to evolutionary extinction? How are sex and parasites related? Why don’t snakes eat grass? Why don’t we have eyes in the back of our heads? How does modern genomics illustrate and challenge the field?


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• Biological and Engineering Principles of Novel Biotherapeutics
Covers biological and bioengineering principles underlying the development and therapeutic use of recombinant proteins and immune cells. Special attention to monoclonal antibodies and engineered immune system cells as therapeutics; protein- and glyco- engineering to enhance protein function; protein pharmacology and delivery; nucleic acid- based biotherapeutics; generation of functional cells and tissues from embryonic stem cells and iPS cells; and immune cell-cancer cell interactions in cancer immunotherapy.

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• The Hallmarks of Cancer
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of cancer biology and cancer treatment. Topics include cancer genetics, genomics, and epigenetics; familial cancer syndromes; signal transduction, cell cycle control, and apoptosis; cancer metabolism; stem cells and cancer; metastasis; cancer immunology and immunotherapy; conventional and molecularly-targeted therapies; and early detection and prevention.


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• Building with Cells
Focuses on fundamental principles of developmental biology by which cells build organs and organisms. Analyzes the pivotal role of stem cells in tissue maintenance or repair, and in treatment of disease. Explores how to integrate this knowledge with engineering tools to construct functional tissue structures. 

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• [Developmental Neurobiology](https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/9-18-developmental-neurobiology-spring-2005/)
This course considers molecular control of neural specification, formation of neuronal connections, construction of neural systems, and the contributions of experience to shaping brain structure and function. Topics include: neural induction and pattern formation, cell lineage and fate determination, neuronal migration, axon guidance, synapse formation and stabilization, activity-dependent development and critical periods, development of behavior.

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• Systems Neuroscience


• Principles and Applications of Genetic Engineering for Biotechnology and Neuroscience
Covers principles underlying current and future genetic engineering approaches, ranging from single cellular organisms to whole animals. Focuses on development and invention of technologies for engineering biological systems at the genomic level, and applications of engineered biological systems for medical and biotechnological needs, with particular emphasis on genetic manipulation of the nervous system.

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