Introduction to Biology - The Secret of Life
Read fully to understand the verified-certificate option. Join Professor Eric Lander and the MITx Biology team in an exciting learning experience available for free to all enrolled learners. The 7.00x Introductory Biology course materials are available for exploration and completion by registering as an auditor or verified-track learner, including video, interactive problem sets, and exams. We strongly encourage you to work through the activities, towards a goal of learning biology. We have optimized the course settings for learning: instant feedback after trying problems and all content available at all times for self-paced progress. You receive feedback on correctness of answers, but the problem submissions do not count toward the grade for a certificate. Instead, we offer a thorough and robust means of certifying edX learners in their mastery of the MITx introductory biology content, through a the MITx 7.00x Introduction to Biology Competency Exam. This challenging option is available only to those who register for the verified-certificate track, and successful completion of this exam is the only assessment that counts toward a certificate. We highly recommend preparing for the Competency Exam certification by using the current course materials and MIT OpenCourseWare problems. The Competency Exam is offered in the last week of every course run.
7.00x is an introductory level biology course hosted by professor Eric Lander, who was one of the leaders of the Human Genome Project. The course content reflects the topics taught in the MIT introductory biology courses and many biology courses across the world. As a learner, you will first focus on the structure and function of macromolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins. You will discover how changes in the structure of some of these macromolecules alter their functions and what the implications of such changes have on human health. As you continue in the course, you will apply an understanding of heredity and information flow within cells to human health and disease and will learn about molecular biological techniques and their potential to impact our changing world. After you complete this course, you will have a foundation in biology that will allow you to understand the remarkable medical revolution going on today.
MITx 7.00x: Introduction to Biology – The Secret of Life will let you explore the mysteries of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, recombinant DNA technology and genomics, and rational medicine. Good luck in your 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 filed of genomics
- How to apply the principles of modern biology to issues in today's society
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| Rating | 4.7★ based on 48 ratings |
|---|---|
| Length | 16 weeks |
| Effort | 16 weeks, 5–10 hours per week |
| Starts | On Demand (Start anytime) |
| Cost | $150 |
| From | Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MITx, ASUx via edX |
| Instructors | Eric S. Lander, Graham Walker, Michelle Mischke, Brian White, Mary Ellen Wiltrout, Test Test |
| Download Videos | On all desktop and mobile devices |
| Language | English |
| Subjects | Business Science |
| Tags | Business & Management Biology & Life Sciences Science Medicine |
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What people are saying
problem sets
The problems are just right and you are able to use the theory u just learned in those problem sets via great tools.
The problem sets are quite challenging, but I managed to master most of them.
The problem sets were very helpful and challenged me to think logically and apply the material in real world kind of ways.
The problem sets used some interesting computer tools but because some of these tools did not work reliably on the recommended browser, I gave the class 4 stars instead of 5.
Third, the problem sets are very well thought out, using various viewing and analysis tools so that you feel you're really getting an understanding of the material.
Additionally, Professor Lander's engaging lectures, along with high quality problem sets that encourage critical thinking, along with the awesome TAs and deep dives and the like, made me enjoy the course a lot.
Challenging problem sets, crystal clear lectures of Prof. Lander, guidance from fellow mates (on the forums) and deep dives- what else would one want in a good course.
The Problem sets were also a lot of fun, and they gave me the opportunity to use software I didn't even know existed!
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eric lander
My class was taught by Dr. Eric Lander.
The lectures are really great, and Eric Lander is knowledgeable and engaging, but there is a disconnect between what it taught and what is tested on.
Eric Lander is a modern Popstar in Biology and his course is a masterpiece.
But the lecturer Eric Lander is excellent.
The lecturer, Eric Lander, knows his stuff and, perhaps more important, knows how to teach.
Eric Lander was an outstanding and enthusiastic lecturer.
Second, Eric Lander is a brilliant and inspiring teacher; these are some of the best lectures I've seen on a MOOC.
Hats off to Eric Lander!!!!!
Prof. Eric Lander is a marvel !
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sets and exams
It seems like what is taught is very generalized, but the problem sets and exams are exceedingly detailed and nitty gritty, and much of the time it feels as if youre being tested more on nomenclature than concepts.
Kudos to the developers for coming up with problem sets and exams that really assess a student's understanding of the topic.
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dr. lander
As a teacher, Dr. Lander has the gift of making the complicated and technical seem simple and exciting.
Dr. Lander is not only an accomplished scientist, but also a gifted teacher.
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years ago
This course is a fantastic introduction to genetics from the onset a few hundred years ago right up to the current frontiers.
However, I took these classes years ago and much has changed.
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along with
The quiz/exam questions actually quite often didn't seem to go along with the material presented in the lecture.
Careers
An overview of related careers and their average salaries in the US. Bars indicate income percentile.
Temporary Assistant Biology Teacher $37k
Assistant Lecturer, Biology $43k
Science Teacher- Biology, Chemistry, and Physics $50k
Biology Teacher 1 $54k
Research Associate, Department of Cell Biology $60k
Postdoctoral PHD Researcher in Developmental Biology $67k
Chair of the Biology Department $71k
Assistant Department of Biology $92k
Molecular Biology Scientist $100k
Scientist - Cell Biology $100k
Assistant Adjunct Professor of Biology and Environmental Sciences $110k
Visiting Stuart Mudd Professor of Biology $131k
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| Rating | 4.7★ based on 48 ratings |
|---|---|
| Length | 16 weeks |
| Effort | 16 weeks, 5–10 hours per week |
| Starts | On Demand (Start anytime) |
| Cost | $150 |
| From | Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MITx, ASUx via edX |
| Instructors | Eric S. Lander, Graham Walker, Michelle Mischke, Brian White, Mary Ellen Wiltrout, Test Test |
| Download Videos | On all desktop and mobile devices |
| Language | English |
| Subjects | Business Science |
| Tags | Business & Management Biology & Life Sciences Science Medicine |
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