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Stephen P. Bell,
Tania A. Baker,
Mary Ellen Wiltrout,
Sera Thornton,
and
Swati Carr
In Part 3 of 7.28x, you’ll explore translation of mRNA to protein, a key part of the central dogma of biology. Do you know how RNA turnover or RNA splicing affects the outcome of translation? Although not official steps in the central dogma, the mechanisms of RNA processing strongly influence gene expression.
Are you ready to go beyond the “what" of scientific information presented in textbooks and explore how scientists deduce the details of these molecular models?
Read more
In Part 3 of 7.28x, you’ll explore translation of mRNA to protein, a key part of the central dogma of biology. Do you know how RNA turnover or RNA splicing affects the outcome of translation? Although not official steps in the central dogma, the mechanisms of RNA processing strongly influence gene expression.
Are you ready to go beyond the “what" of scientific information presented in textbooks and explore how scientists deduce the details of these molecular models?
Read more
In Part 3 of 7.28x, you’ll explore translation of mRNA to protein, a key part of the central dogma of biology. Do you know how RNA turnover or RNA splicing affects the outcome of translation? Although not official steps in the central dogma, the mechanisms of RNA processing strongly influence gene expression.
Are you ready to go beyond the “what" of scientific information presented in textbooks and explore how scientists deduce the details of these molecular models?
Take a behind-the-scenes look at modern molecular biology, from the classic experimental events that identified the proteins and elements involved in translation and RNA splicing to cutting-edge assays that apply the power of genome sequencing. Do you feel confident in your ability to design molecular biology experiments and interpret data from them? We've designed the assessments in this course to build your experimental design and data analysis skills.
Let’s explore the limits of our current knowledge about the translation machinery and mechanisms of RNA turnover and splicing. If you are up for the challenge, join us in 7.28.3x Molecular Biology: RNA Processing and Translation.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/cwm83f/molecular
What's inside
Learning objectives
- How to compare and contrast translation in bacteria and eukaryotes
- How to describe several mechanisms of rna turnover and rna splicing
- How to analyze protein structures to infer functional information
- How to design the best experiment to test a hypothesis
- How to interpret data from translation and rna processing experiments
- How to compare and contrast translation in bacteria and eukaryotes
- How to describe several mechanisms of rna turnover and rna splicing
- How to analyze protein structures to infer functional information
- How to design the best experiment to test a hypothesis
- How to interpret data from translation and rna processing experiments
Syllabus
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores advanced molecular biology topics, including translation, RNA splicing, and RNA turnover, which are essential for understanding gene expression and regulation
Taught by renowned experts in the field of molecular biology, Mary Ellen Wiltrout, Stephen P. Bell, Tania A. Baker, Sera Thornton, and Swati Carr
Provides a strong theoretical foundation and practical applications in molecular biology, making it suitable for students with a keen interest in the subject
Covers a wide range of topics in molecular biology, offering a comprehensive understanding of gene expression and regulation
Assessments are designed to build experimental design and data analysis skills, which are essential for research and development in molecular biology
Requires a strong background in molecular biology and biochemistry, making it more suitable for advanced learners or those with a specific interest in the field
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Reviews summary
Rigorous rna processing and translation
According to learners, Molecular Biology – Part 3 is a highly rated and in-depth exploration of RNA processing and translation. Students appreciate the course's significant focus on experimental design and data analysis, which helps build practical skills beyond theoretical knowledge. While the content is praised for its clarity, the course is also frequently described as very challenging and requiring strong prerequisite knowledge, making it best suited for those with a solid background in biology. Many who have taken previous parts of the series find this course builds well on prior learning.
Connects well with previous parts of the series.
"This course builds very well on the previous parts of the 7.28x series."
"It felt like a natural and logical progression from Part 2."
"Taking the series in order really helps understand the context."
"Good continuation for those following the MIT molecular biology sequence."
Instructor explains complex topics well.
"The instructor is very clear and makes complex topics understandable despite their difficulty."
"Lectures are well-structured and explanations are excellent."
"Found the teaching style effective for grasping advanced concepts."
"Appreciate how the instructor breaks down difficult ideas."
Provides a detailed and comprehensive look at topics.
"Provides a deep dive into the mechanisms of RNA processing and translation."
"The course covers complex details thoroughly, giving a solid understanding."
"Content is comprehensive, going beyond textbook basics into the 'how' and 'why'."
"Excellent coverage of mechanisms like RNA splicing and turnover."
Strong emphasis on experimental design and analysis.
"Loved the focus on experimental design and data analysis - really teaches you how scientists think."
"The assessments are designed to build your experimental design and data analysis skills, which is a major plus."
"This goes beyond just theory, showing you how to deduce molecular models from experimental results."
"I feel much more confident in my ability to analyze molecular biology data after taking this course."
Requires solid prior biology knowledge.
"You absolutely need a strong molecular biology background before taking this course."
"Not suitable for beginners; it assumes a good level of prior knowledge."
"Coming into this without relevant prerequisites made it overwhelming at times."
"Students should ensure they have completed introductory biology and chemistry."
Course is rigorous and demanding.
"This is a very challenging course and requires significant effort to keep up."
"The pace can be fast, and I often had to rewatch lectures to fully grasp the concepts."
"Definitely not easy, but the challenge is rewarding if you put in the work."
"The material is dense and requires focused study."
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 Molecular Biology – Part 3: RNA Processing and Translation with these
activities:
Translation and RNA Processing Review
Show steps
Reviewing key concepts in translation and RNA processing will help you prepare for the course and refresh your memory.
Browse courses on
Translation
Show steps
-
Re-read your previous notes and textbooks.
-
Complete practice questions or quizzes.
-
Discuss key concepts with peers or the instructor.
Molecular Biology of the Cell
Show steps
This comprehensive textbook provides a foundation in molecular biology, including in-depth coverage of translation and RNA processing.
View
Molecular Biology of the Cell
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read assigned chapters and take notes.
-
Complete end-of-chapter exercises.
-
Discuss key concepts with classmates or the instructor.
RNA Turnover Study Group
Show steps
Participating in a study group will provide you with a supportive environment to discuss and explore concepts related to RNA turnover.
Show steps
-
Find or form a study group with fellow students.
-
Meet regularly to discuss course materials.
-
Work together to solve problems and clarify concepts.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Translation and RNA Processing Practice Problems
Show steps
Solving practice problems will strengthen your understanding of key concepts and principles related to translation and RNA processing.
Browse courses on
Translation
Show steps
-
Review lecture notes and course materials to identify key concepts.
-
Attempt practice problems on your own.
-
Check your answers and identify areas where you need improvement.
Attend Molecular Biology Conference
Show steps
Attending a molecular biology conference will expose you to cutting-edge research and connect you with experts in the field.
Browse courses on
Molecular Biology
Show steps
-
Research and identify relevant conferences.
-
Register and attend the conference.
-
Network with researchers and professionals.
Protein Structure Analysis Tutorial
Show steps
Following tutorials on protein structure analysis will enhance your ability to analyze and interpret protein structures.
Browse courses on
Protein Structure
Show steps
-
Find a reputable tutorial on protein structure analysis.
-
Follow the tutorial steps and complete the exercises.
-
Apply your new skills to analyze actual protein structures.
Experimental Design Workshop
Show steps
Attending an experimental design workshop will enhance your skills in designing and conducting molecular biology experiments.
Browse courses on
Experimental Design
Show steps
-
Research and identify relevant workshops.
-
Register and attend the workshop.
-
Participate actively in discussions and exercises.
-
Apply your new skills to your own research projects.
RNA Splicing Simulation
Show steps
Creating a simulation of RNA splicing will provide you with a deeper understanding of the mechanisms and processes involved.
Show steps
-
Research and gather information about RNA splicing.
-
Design and develop a simulation model.
-
Test and refine your simulation.
-
Share your simulation with others.
Translation and RNA Processing Review
Show steps
Reviewing key concepts in translation and RNA processing will help you prepare for the course and refresh your memory.
Browse courses on
Translation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Re-read your previous notes and textbooks.
- Complete practice questions or quizzes.
- Discuss key concepts with peers or the instructor.
Molecular Biology of the Cell
Show steps
This comprehensive textbook provides a foundation in molecular biology, including in-depth coverage of translation and RNA processing.
View
Molecular Biology of the Cell
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read assigned chapters and take notes.
- Complete end-of-chapter exercises.
- Discuss key concepts with classmates or the instructor.
RNA Turnover Study Group
Show steps
Participating in a study group will provide you with a supportive environment to discuss and explore concepts related to RNA turnover.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find or form a study group with fellow students.
- Meet regularly to discuss course materials.
- Work together to solve problems and clarify concepts.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Translation and RNA Processing Practice Problems
Show steps
Solving practice problems will strengthen your understanding of key concepts and principles related to translation and RNA processing.
Browse courses on
Translation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review lecture notes and course materials to identify key concepts.
- Attempt practice problems on your own.
- Check your answers and identify areas where you need improvement.
Attend Molecular Biology Conference
Show steps
Attending a molecular biology conference will expose you to cutting-edge research and connect you with experts in the field.
Browse courses on
Molecular Biology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify relevant conferences.
- Register and attend the conference.
- Network with researchers and professionals.
Protein Structure Analysis Tutorial
Show steps
Following tutorials on protein structure analysis will enhance your ability to analyze and interpret protein structures.
Browse courses on
Protein Structure
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a reputable tutorial on protein structure analysis.
- Follow the tutorial steps and complete the exercises.
- Apply your new skills to analyze actual protein structures.
Experimental Design Workshop
Show steps
Attending an experimental design workshop will enhance your skills in designing and conducting molecular biology experiments.
Browse courses on
Experimental Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify relevant workshops.
- Register and attend the workshop.
- Participate actively in discussions and exercises.
- Apply your new skills to your own research projects.
RNA Splicing Simulation
Show steps
Creating a simulation of RNA splicing will provide you with a deeper understanding of the mechanisms and processes involved.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and gather information about RNA splicing.
- Design and develop a simulation model.
- Test and refine your simulation.
- Share your simulation with others.
Career center
Learners who complete Molecular Biology – Part 3: RNA Processing and Translation will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Bioinformatician
Bioinformatician
Bioinformaticians use computer programming and statistical techniques to analyze large sets of biological data, such as DNA sequences. This course would be helpful for aspiring bioinformaticians because it provides a strong foundation in molecular biology, including RNA processing and translation. This knowledge is essential for understanding the data that bioinformaticians analyze.
Molecular Biologist
Molecular Biologist
Molecular biologists study the structure and function of molecules, including DNA, RNA, and proteins. This course would be helpful for aspiring molecular biologists because it provides a detailed overview of RNA processing and translation. This knowledge is essential for understanding how cells function.
Geneticist
Geneticist
Geneticists study the inheritance of traits from parents to offspring. This course would be helpful for aspiring geneticists because it provides a strong foundation in molecular biology, including RNA processing and translation. This knowledge is essential for understanding how genes are passed down from generation to generation.
Biochemist
Biochemist
Biochemists study the chemical reactions that occur in living organisms. This course would be helpful for aspiring biochemists because it provides a strong foundation in molecular biology, including RNA processing and translation. This knowledge is essential for understanding how cells function.
Cell Biologist
Cell Biologist
Cell biologists study the structure and function of cells. This course would be helpful for aspiring cell biologists because it provides a strong foundation in molecular biology, including RNA processing and translation. This knowledge is essential for understanding how cells function.
Microbiologist
Microbiologist
Microbiologists study microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses. This course would be helpful for aspiring microbiologists because it provides a strong foundation in molecular biology, including RNA processing and translation. This knowledge is essential for understanding how microorganisms function and how they can cause disease.
Pathologist
Pathologist
Pathologists study the causes and effects of disease. This course would be helpful for aspiring pathologists because it provides a strong foundation in molecular biology, including RNA processing and translation. This knowledge is essential for understanding how diseases develop and how they can be treated.
Pharmacologist
Pharmacologist
Pharmacologists study the effects of drugs on the body. This course would be helpful for aspiring pharmacologists because it provides a strong foundation in molecular biology, including RNA processing and translation. This knowledge is essential for understanding how drugs work and how they can be used to treat disease.
Toxicologist
Toxicologist
Toxicologists study the effects of toxins on the body. This course would be helpful for aspiring toxicologists because it provides a strong foundation in molecular biology, including RNA processing and translation. This knowledge is essential for understanding how toxins work and how they can be prevented from causing harm.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists study the distribution and patterns of disease in populations. This course would be useful for aspiring epidemiologists because it provides a strong foundation in molecular biology, including RNA processing and translation. This knowledge is essential for understanding how diseases spread and how they can be prevented.
Science Writer
Science Writer
Science writers communicate complex scientific information to the public. This course would be useful for aspiring science writers because it provides a strong foundation in molecular biology, including RNA processing and translation. This knowledge is essential for understanding the scientific research that they will be writing about.
Science Teacher
Science Teacher
Science teachers educate students about science. This course would be useful for aspiring science teachers because it provides a strong foundation in molecular biology, including RNA processing and translation. This knowledge is essential for understanding the science that they will be teaching.
Research Scientist
Research Scientist
Research scientists conduct original research in a variety of scientific fields. This course would be useful for aspiring research scientists because it provides a strong foundation in molecular biology, including RNA processing and translation. This knowledge is essential for conducting research in this field.
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory technicians conduct experiments and analyze data under the supervision of a scientist. This course would be useful for aspiring laboratory technicians because it provides a strong foundation in molecular biology, including RNA processing and translation. This knowledge is essential for understanding the experiments that they will be conducting.
Quality Control Analyst
Quality Control Analyst
Quality control analysts ensure that products meet safety and quality standards. This course would be useful for aspiring quality control analysts because it provides a strong foundation in molecular biology, including RNA processing and translation. This knowledge is essential for understanding the products that they will be testing.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/cwm83f/molecular
Reading list
We've selected 17 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Molecular Biology – Part 3: RNA Processing and Translation.
This is the classic textbook in cell and molecular biology. It comprehensive reference that can be used for background or additional reading. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
Good overview of gene expression, including RNA processing and translation. It good reference for additional reading.
Good overview of RNA. It is more detailed than the course, but it good reference for additional reading.
Provides a broad overview of gene expression, including chapters on RNA processing and translation.
A practical guide to molecular biology techniques, including methods for studying RNA processing and translation.
Detailed overview of translation. It good reference for additional reading.
Covers computational methods for analyzing RNA-seq data, which can be used to study RNA processing and translation.
Detailed overview of RNA turnover. It good reference for additional reading.
Can be a resource for anyone who wants to design their own molecular biology experiments.
A comprehensive overview of translational control, including sections on the regulation of translation initiation, elongation, and termination.
Can be a resource to learn how to analyze data from molecular biology.
Save
Can be a resource for anyone who wants to learn more about genetics. It covers RNA processing and translation in a chapter.
Good overview of molecular biology. It covers RNA processing and translation in a few chapters.
Good overview of biology. It covers RNA processing and translation in a chapter.
Detailed overview of molecular cell biology. It covers RNA processing and translation in a few chapters.
Save
Good overview of biochemistry. It covers RNA processing and translation in a few chapters.
Good overview of cell biology. It covers RNA processing and translation in a chapter.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/cwm83f/molecular
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Rating
5.0
Effort
4 to 8 hours per week for 8 weeks
Level
Advanced
Via
edX
Institution
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Instructors
Stephen P. Bell
Tania A. Baker
Mary Ellen Wiltrout
Sera Thornton
Swati Carr
Language
English
Transcripts
English
中文
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