Biochemistry: Biomolecules, Methods, and Mechanisms from edX

Do you want to prepare for medical school, study a STEM field, become a research scientist, or transition to a career in the booming biotechnology industry? Or maybe you just want to understand the chemical reactions that govern life itself. Join Professor Yaffe, an MIT professor and practicing surgeon, as he guides you through the science that inspires countless doctors, researchers, and students alike.

We developed 7.05x Biochemistry with an emphasis on:

Developing your scientific thinking skills including articulating hypotheses, performing thought experiments, interpreting data, and designing experiments.
Using data based on real scientific experiments and highlighting the scientific process.
Asserting that biology is an active field that changes daily through examples of MIT (and other current) research, not static information in a textbook.
Visualizing real molecular structures with PyMOL to better understand function and mechanism.
Appreciating the quantitative aspects of biochemistry and practicing this quantitation with MATLAB.
Translating topics in biochemistry to diseases and medicine.
Conveying the authentic MIT firehose experience.
Implementing the science of learning in the course design.

We offer a thorough and robust means of certifying edX learners in their mastery of the MITx biochemistry content, through the MITx 7.05x Biochemistry 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 majority of the assessment grade that counts toward a certificate. The Competency Exam will be open during the final week of the course.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to apply the scientific method to pursue research questions.
How to analyze protein purification schemes.
How scientists determine the structure of a protein.
How structure, allostery, and the bohr effect influence hemoglobin function.

How to interpret graphs, plot behaviors, and calculate constants related to enzyme function.
How pumps, transporters, and channels differ to regulate molecule transfer across membranes.
How g proteins play a key role in signaling.

How to apply the scientific method to pursue research questions.
How to analyze protein purification schemes.
How scientists determine the structure of a protein.
How structure, allostery, and the bohr effect influence hemoglobin function.
How to interpret graphs, plot behaviors, and calculate constants related to enzyme function.
How pumps, transporters, and channels differ to regulate molecule transfer across membranes.
How g proteins play a key role in signaling.

Syllabus

The course includes the following learning sequences:

Introduction to Biochemistry; pH and Buffers

Amino Acids and Proteins

Protein Purification

Protein Structure

Protein Folding

Hemoglobin and Allostery

Hemoglobin and the Bohr Effect

Enzyme Chemistry

Enzyme as Catalysts

Enzyme Kinetics

Membranes, Channels, Transporters, and Pumps

Blood Clotting

Signal Transduction

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Tailored for those who want a foundational study of biochemistry and its application in the biotech industry, medicine, and research

Uses real-world scientific examples highlighting the scientific process and emphasizes the active nature of biology

Emphasizes developing scientific thinking skills such as hypothesis articulation, data interpretation, and designing experiments

Employs MITx 7.05x Biochemistry Competency Exam for thorough certification

Leverages real molecular structures in PyMOL for better understanding of function and mechanism

Provides MATLAB practice to facilitate appreciation of the quantitative aspects of biochemistry

Reviews summary

Biochemistry fundamentals: mitx

Students say this course teaches the basics of biochemistry with a focus on biomolecules and their functions. Lectures and problem sets are engaging. The course uses MATLAB and PyMOL, which are helpful but can be challenging for some learners. The workload is heavy, so allocate plenty of time.

Students recommend that you have a background in organic chemistry and physics before taking this course.

"This is a very informative course, and I'm very glad to be taking it. However, it took me a while to get my bearings."

"As others have mentioned, the course does assume a certain amount of background knowledge in organic chemistry and basic biology."

Students find this course to be challenging, but rewarding.

"This course is amazing!!!"

"It is extremely comprehensive with respect to both the lectures and the testing."

"The problem sets truly test your understanding of the fundamentals being taught."

Students appreciate the high-quality lectures and engaging problem sets.

"The lecture content is presented by Professor Yaffe in a clear and easy to follow format."

"The problem set questions were thought-provoking and useful in improving skills such as data analyzation."

Students find MATLAB to be difficult and frustrating.

"God MATLAB is so frustrating when you do not come from a MATLAB using background."

"MATLAB becomes their hurdle."

"It would have been great to have that posted in the course description, so that while students are waiting for the course to open, we can review."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Biochemistry: Biomolecules, Methods, and Mechanisms with these activities:

Watch video tutorials on protein structure

Show steps

Provides a visual and accessible way to grasp the complex concepts of protein structure.

Browse courses on Protein Structure

Show steps

Search for and select reputable video tutorials on protein structure.
Watch the tutorials and take notes on key concepts.

Review the textbook

Show steps

Reinforces important biochemistry concepts that will be covered throughout your studies.

View Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry with... on Amazon

Show steps

Read each chapter thoroughly.
Take notes on key concepts and definitions.
Complete practice problems and review questions at the end of each chapter.

Solve practice problems on enzyme kinetics

Show steps

Improves your understanding and problem-solving abilities in enzyme kinetics, a core concept in biochemistry.

Show steps

Review the concepts of enzyme kinetics.
Solve practice problems involving enzyme concentration, substrate concentration, and reaction rates.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Design an experiment to test a hypothesis

Show steps

Provides practical experience in designing and conducting scientific experiments, a crucial skill in biochemistry research.

Browse courses on Scientific Method

Show steps

Identify a research question and develop a hypothesis.
Design an experiment to test the hypothesis, including controls and variables.
Collect and analyze data.
Interpret the results and draw conclusions.

Attend a biochemistry conference or seminar

Show steps

Connects you with experts in the field and exposes you to cutting-edge research, broadening your knowledge and professional network.

Browse courses on Networking

Show steps

Identify and register for relevant biochemistry conferences or seminars.
Attend the events and engage with speakers and attendees.

Volunteer at a research laboratory or hospital

Show steps

Offers real-world exposure to biochemistry research or clinical applications, deepening your understanding and career preparation.

Browse courses on Volunteering

Show steps

Identify research laboratories or hospitals that offer volunteer opportunities.
Inquire about volunteer positions and apply.

Write a summary of a research paper

Show steps

Enhances your ability to analyze and summarize scientific literature, a valuable skill for staying up-to-date in the field.

Browse courses on Scientific Writing

Show steps

Read the research paper thoroughly.
Identify the main points and supporting evidence.
Write a concise summary that includes the hypothesis, methods, results, and conclusions.

Create a presentation on a specific topic in biochemistry

Show steps

Develops your communication and presentation skills, essential for conveying scientific information clearly.

Browse courses on Scientific Presentations

Show steps

Choose a topic and research it thoroughly.
Organize your material into a logical flow.
Create visual aids to support your presentation.
Practice your presentation and get feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Biochemistry: Biomolecules, Methods, and Mechanisms will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct scientific research to advance knowledge in a particular field. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, government agencies, and private companies. This course may be useful for learning how to apply the scientific method to pursue research questions, analyze protein purification schemes, and determine the structure of a protein. These skills are essential for success in a research-oriented career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Biophysicist

Biophysicists use the principles of physics to study biological systems. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, hospitals, and research institutes. This course may be useful for obtaining a foundational understanding of the scientific principles that underpin biophysics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biophysicist

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design and create devices and systems to improve human health and well-being. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, universities, and medical device companies. This course may be useful for obtaining a foundational understanding of the scientific principles that underpin biomedical engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

Biochemist

A Biochemist studies the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. This course may be useful for gaining a foundational understanding of the chemical reactions that govern life itself. The course introduces learners to the scientific method, protein purification, protein structure, enzyme chemistry, and enzyme kinetics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biochemist

Biostatistician

Biostatisticians use statistical methods to analyze biological data. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, universities, and government agencies. This course may be useful for developing the skills needed to design and conduct statistical studies, as well as to analyze and interpret data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Quality Control Analyst

Quality Control Analysts ensure that products meet quality standards. They may work in a variety of settings, including manufacturing plants, food processing plants, and pharmaceutical companies. This course may be useful for obtaining a foundational understanding of the scientific principles that underpin quality control.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Control Analyst

Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientists collect and analyze evidence to help solve crimes. They may work in a variety of settings, including crime labs, police departments, and private companies. This course may be useful for obtaining a foundational understanding of the scientific principles that underpin forensic science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Scientist

Medical Doctor

Medical Doctors diagnose, treat, and prevent illness, disease, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in people. Many Medical Doctors work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. This course may be useful for obtaining a foundational understanding of the science that inspires countless doctors, researchers, and students alike, particularly with regards to disease and medicine.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Doctor

Pharmaceutical Scientist

Pharmaceutical Scientists develop and manufacture drugs and other pharmaceutical products. They may work in a variety of settings, including pharmaceutical companies, universities, and government agencies. This course may be useful for learning about the science behind drug discovery, development, and manufacturing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmaceutical Scientist

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain complex technical information. They may work in a variety of settings, including software companies, engineering firms, and government agencies. This course may be useful for developing the skills needed to effectively communicate technical information to a non-technical audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with humans. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for obtaining a foundational understanding of the scientific principles that underpin environmental science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to a general audience. They may work for a variety of publications, including newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course may be useful for developing the skills needed to effectively communicate scientific information to a non-scientific audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Patent Agent

Patent Agents help inventors obtain patents for their inventions. They may work in a variety of settings, including law firms, patent offices, and corporations. This course may be useful for developing an understanding of the scientific and legal principles involved in patent law.

See salaries and explore the career path for Patent Agent

Radiation Therapist

Radiation Therapists deliver radiation therapy to patients with cancer. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, cancer centers, and private practices. This course may be useful for obtaining a foundational understanding of the scientific principles that underpin radiation therapy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Radiation Therapist

Science Teacher

Science Teachers teach science to students in a variety of settings, including schools, museums, and community centers. This course may be useful for developing the knowledge and skills needed to effectively teach science to students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Teacher