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Stephen P. Bell,
Tania A. Baker,
Mary Ellen Wiltrout,
Nathaniel Schafheimer,
and
Sera Thornton
In Part 2 of this Molecular Biology course, you’ll explore transcription of DNA to RNA, a key part of the central dogma of biology and the first step of gene expression.
Did you know that transposable elements, the genetic information that can move from location to location, make up roughly 50 % of the human genome? Did you know that scientists have linked their movement into specific genes to the causes of certain diseases? You’ll also learn how these “jumping genes” work and how scientists study them in Molecular Biology: Transcription and Transposition.
Read more
In Part 2 of this Molecular Biology course, you’ll explore transcription of DNA to RNA, a key part of the central dogma of biology and the first step of gene expression.
Did you know that transposable elements, the genetic information that can move from location to location, make up roughly 50 % of the human genome? Did you know that scientists have linked their movement into specific genes to the causes of certain diseases? You’ll also learn how these “jumping genes” work and how scientists study them in Molecular Biology: Transcription and Transposition.
Read more
In Part 2 of this Molecular Biology course, you’ll explore transcription of DNA to RNA, a key part of the central dogma of biology and the first step of gene expression.
Did you know that transposable elements, the genetic information that can move from location to location, make up roughly 50 % of the human genome? Did you know that scientists have linked their movement into specific genes to the causes of certain diseases? You’ll also learn how these “jumping genes” work and how scientists study them in Molecular Biology: Transcription and Transposition.
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 genetics, from the classic experimental events that identified the proteins and elements involved in transcription and transposition to cutting-edge assays that apply the power of genome sequencing. We've designed the problems in this course to build your experimental design and data analysis skills.
Let’s explore the limits of our current knowledge about the transcription machinery and mechanisms of transposition. If you are up for the challenge, join us in 7.28.2x Molecular Biology: Transcription and Transposition.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/yh2ded/molecular
What's inside
Learning objectives
- How to compare and contrast transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
- How to describe several mechanisms of transposition
- How to analyze protein structures to infer functional information
- How todesign the best experiment to test a hypothesis
- How to interpret data from transcription and transposition experiments
- How to compare and contrast transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
- How to describe several mechanisms of transposition
- How to analyze protein structures to infer functional information
- How todesign the best experiment to test a hypothesis
- How to interpret data from transcription and transposition experiments
Syllabus
Week 1 : Machinery and Promoters of Bacterial Transcription
Week 2 : Bacterial Regulation of Bacterial Transcription
Week 3 : Machinery and Promoters of Eukaryotic Transcription
Read more
Syllabus
Week 1 : Machinery and Promoters of Bacterial Transcription
Week 2 : Bacterial Regulation of Bacterial Transcription
Week 3 : Machinery and Promoters of Eukaryotic Transcription
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Teaches a practical set of skills used in industry: analyze protein structures to infer functional information
Develops specialized knowledge in molecular genetics: mechanisms of transposition and CRISPR
Covers unique topics within molecular biology: transposable elements and their role in gene regulation
Taught by a team of instructors: Mary Ellen Wiltrout, Nathaniel Schafheimer, Stephen P. Bell, Tania A. Baker, and Sera Thornton
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Reviews summary
In-depth molecular biology exploration
According to learners, this course offers a positive and in-depth exploration of molecular biology, specifically transcription and transposition. Students found the content rigorous and the focus on experimental design and data analysis particularly valuable. While the material is considered challenging and requires a solid background, the clear explanations provided help make complex topics accessible. The inclusion of modern topics like CRISPR was also frequently highlighted as a strength. Overall, it is seen as a demanding but rewarding experience for those serious about understanding the mechanics of gene expression and genetic mobility.
Covers current areas like CRISPR.
"The module on CRISPR was fascinating and very current."
"Appreciated learning about the molecular basis of modern tools like CRISPR."
"Included up-to-date information relevant to current research."
Complex topics explained effectively.
"The lectures explained difficult concepts very clearly."
"Instructors did a great job breaking down complex molecular processes."
"Despite the advanced nature, the explanations were easy to follow."
Strong emphasis on design and analysis.
"Learning experimental design and data analysis was incredibly useful."
"The problem sets forced me to think critically about the science."
"Analyzing actual experimental results solidified my understanding."
Provides a detailed look into core topics.
"The course material dives deep into the mechanisms of transcription."
"I really appreciated the comprehensive coverage of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems."
"Goes beyond textbook basics, explaining the 'how' and 'why' of experiments."
Rigorous material requires significant effort.
"This is a very challenging course; be prepared to put in the work."
"It requires a strong foundation in prior molecular biology concepts."
"Definitely difficult, but I learned so much by pushing through the problems."
Activities
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your course. Deepen your understanding
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it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Molecular Biology - Part 2: Transcription and Transposition with these
activities:
Watch Video Lectures
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Watch and take notes on the videos
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Pause and rewind as needed to clarify understanding
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review existing notes
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expand upon notes and add additional detail
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organize all notes in one place
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Research and identify potential labs
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Join a lab and participate in research projects
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Design an Experiment
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Apply course concepts to design experiments to test hypotheses
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Experimental Design
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Define the hypothesis to be tested
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Design an experiment with proper controls and variables
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Predict the results and explain how they will support or refute the hypothesis
Attend a Conference
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Engage with experts, learn about cutting-edge research, and network within the field
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Molecular Biology
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Research conferences and identify relevant ones
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Submit an abstract for consideration
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Prepare a presentation or poster
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Attend the conference
Design a Research Poster
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Present research findings in a concise and visually engaging manner
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Poster Design
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Identify a research topic and gather data
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Create a poster template and design a layout
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Write a clear and concise abstract
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Present findings in a visually appealing way
Watch Video Lectures
Show steps
Review course materials asynchronously to supplement class sessions
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find online video lectures on course topics
- Watch and take notes on the videos
- Pause and rewind as needed to clarify understanding
Compile Class Notes
Show steps
Compile and organize notes in one location to use for future reference
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- review existing notes
- expand upon notes and add additional detail
- organize all notes in one place
Join a Research Lab
Show steps
Gain practical experience and engage in real-world research
Browse courses on
Hands-on Experience
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify potential labs
- Contact professors and inquire about opportunities
- Join a lab and participate in research projects
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Design an Experiment
Show steps
Apply course concepts to design experiments to test hypotheses
Browse courses on
Experimental Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Define the hypothesis to be tested
- Design an experiment with proper controls and variables
- Predict the results and explain how they will support or refute the hypothesis
Attend a Conference
Show steps
Engage with experts, learn about cutting-edge research, and network within the field
Browse courses on
Molecular Biology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research conferences and identify relevant ones
- Submit an abstract for consideration
- Prepare a presentation or poster
- Attend the conference
Design a Research Poster
Show steps
Present research findings in a concise and visually engaging manner
Browse courses on
Poster Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a research topic and gather data
- Create a poster template and design a layout
- Write a clear and concise abstract
- Present findings in a visually appealing way
Career center
Learners who complete Molecular Biology - Part 2: Transcription and Transposition will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Genetic Counselor
Genetic Counselor
Genetic Counselors who wish to understand the mechanisms through which genetic information is transcribed may find the course Molecular Biology: Transcription and Transposition very helpful. This course can help these professionals gain valuable knowledge about the machinery and promoters of bacterial and eukaryotic transcription, as well as the regulation of transcription in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The course also teaches how to analyze protein structures to infer functional information, which is essential for genetic counselors who wish to provide accurate and up-to-date information about genes and genetic disorders.
Bioinformatician
Bioinformatician
Bioinformaticians who want to build a foundation in the mechanisms of transposition may find the course Molecular Biology: Transcription and Transposition helpful. This course can help these professionals gain valuable knowledge about the machinery and promoters of bacterial and eukaryotic transcription, as well as the regulation of transcription in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Molecular Biologist
Molecular Biologist
Molecular Biologists who want to build a foundation in the mechanisms of transcription and transposition may find the course Molecular Biology: Transcription and Transposition helpful. This course can help these professionals gain valuable knowledge about the machinery and promoters of bacterial and eukaryotic transcription, as well as the regulation of transcription in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The course also teaches how to analyze protein structures to infer functional information, which is essential for molecular biologists who want to understand how genes work and how to manipulate them.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineers who want to build a foundation in the mechanisms of transcription and transposition may find the course Molecular Biology: Transcription and Transposition helpful. This course can help these professionals gain valuable knowledge about the machinery and promoters of bacterial and eukaryotic transcription, as well as the regulation of transcription in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Computational Biologist
Computational Biologist
Computational Biologists who want to build a foundation in the mechanisms of transcription and transposition may find the course Molecular Biology: Transcription and Transposition helpful. This course can help these professionals gain valuable knowledge about the machinery and promoters of bacterial and eukaryotic transcription, as well as the regulation of transcription in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The course also teaches how to analyze protein structures to infer functional information, which is essential for computational biologists who want to develop new methods for analyzing biological data.
Chemist
Chemist
Chemists who want to build a foundation in the mechanisms of transcription and transposition may find the course Molecular Biology: Transcription and Transposition helpful. This course can help these professionals gain valuable knowledge about the machinery and promoters of bacterial and eukaryotic transcription, as well as the regulation of transcription in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The course also teaches how to analyze protein structures to infer functional information, which is essential for chemists who want to develop new drugs and therapies.
Microbiologist
Microbiologist
Microbiologists who want to build a foundation in the mechanisms of transcription and transposition may find the course Molecular Biology: Transcription and Transposition helpful. This course can help these professionals gain valuable knowledge about the machinery and promoters of bacterial and eukaryotic transcription, as well as the regulation of transcription in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Physician
Physician
Physicians who want to build a foundation in the mechanisms of transcription and transposition may find the course Molecular Biology: Transcription and Transposition helpful. This course can help these professionals gain valuable knowledge about the machinery and promoters of bacterial and eukaryotic transcription, as well as the regulation of transcription in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Physicians need a deep understanding of how genes are transcribed and translated, as this knowledge is essential for diagnosing and treating genetic diseases.
Pharmacologist
Pharmacologist
Pharmacologists who want to build a foundation in the mechanisms of transcription and transposition may find the course Molecular Biology: Transcription and Transposition helpful. This course can help these professionals gain valuable knowledge about the machinery and promoters of bacterial and eukaryotic transcription, as well as the regulation of transcription in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The course also teaches how to analyze protein structures to infer functional information, which is essential for pharmacologists who want to develop new drugs and therapies.
Toxicologist
Toxicologist
Toxicologists who want to build a foundation in the mechanisms of transcription and transposition may find the course Molecular Biology: Transcription and Transposition helpful. This course can help these professionals gain valuable knowledge about the machinery and promoters of bacterial and eukaryotic transcription, as well as the regulation of transcription in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This knowledge can be used to assess the potential risks of exposure to environmental toxins.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists who want to build a foundation in the mechanisms of transcription and transposition may find the course Molecular Biology: Transcription and Transposition helpful. This course can help these professionals gain valuable knowledge about the machinery and promoters of bacterial and eukaryotic transcription, as well as the regulation of transcription in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This knowledge can be used to identify the causes of disease and develop strategies for prevention and treatment.
Biostatistician
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians who want to build a foundation in the mechanisms of transcription and transposition may find the course Molecular Biology: Transcription and Transposition helpful. This course can help these professionals gain valuable knowledge about the machinery and promoters of bacterial and eukaryotic transcription, as well as the regulation of transcription in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This knowledge can be used to design and analyze studies that investigate the relationship between gene expression and disease.
Science Writer
Science Writer
Science Writers who want to build a foundation in the mechanisms of transcription and transposition may find the course Molecular Biology: Transcription and Transposition helpful. This course can help these professionals gain valuable knowledge about the machinery and promoters of bacterial and eukaryotic transcription, as well as the regulation of transcription in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This knowledge can be used to write clear and accurate articles about the latest advances in molecular biology.
Patent Attorney
Patent Attorney
Patent Attorneys who want to specialize in biotechnology may find the course Molecular Biology: Transcription and Transposition helpful. This course can help these professionals gain valuable knowledge about the machinery and promoters of bacterial and eukaryotic transcription, as well as the regulation of transcription in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This knowledge can be used to assess the validity of patents related to genetic technologies.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrators who want to gain a better understanding of the molecular basis of disease may find the course Molecular Biology: Transcription and Transposition helpful. This course can help these professionals gain valuable knowledge about the machinery and promoters of bacterial and eukaryotic transcription, as well as the regulation of transcription in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This knowledge can be used to make informed decisions about the development and implementation of new healthcare technologies and treatments.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/yh2ded/molecular
Reading list
We've selected 27 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 2: Transcription and Transposition.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of molecular biology, including detailed coverage of transcription and transposition. It valuable resource for both students and researchers.
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of gene structure, function, and regulation, including transcription and transposition. It valuable reference for students who wish to delve deeper into the subject matter.
Provides a comprehensive overview of transposable element. It covers the molecular mechanisms of transposition and the evolutionary implications of transposable elements.
Provides a detailed overview of transcription, including the mechanisms and regulation of transcription in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. It valuable resource for students and researchers interested in transcription.
Save
This laboratory manual provides detailed protocols for molecular cloning techniques, including those used in transcription and transposition research. It valuable resource for students who need to gain practical experience in these techniques.
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of microbial genetics, including transcription and transposition in bacteria. It offers a valuable foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms covered in the course.
Classic textbook of pathology, covering a wide range of topics from the structure of cells to the regulation of organ systems. It valuable resource for students and researchers alike.
This laboratory manual provides a collection of protocols for basic molecular biology techniques, including those used in transcription and transposition research. It useful resource for students who need to refresh their fundamental skills.
This textbook provides an introduction to genetic engineering, including techniques used in transcription and transposition research. It useful resource for students who need to understand the broader context of molecular biology.
This classic textbook of genetics provides a comprehensive overview of the field, including chapters on transcription and transposition. It would be an excellent supplemental or reference text for this course.
Save
Classic textbook of genetics, covering a wide range of topics from the structure of DNA to the regulation of gene expression. It valuable resource for students and researchers alike.
Classic textbook of genetics, covering a wide range of topics from the structure of DNA to the regulation of gene expression. It valuable resource for students and researchers alike.
Save
Classic textbook of developmental biology, covering a wide range of topics from the structure of embryos to the regulation of organogenesis. It valuable resource for students and researchers alike.
Save
Classic textbook of immunology, covering a wide range of topics from the structure of the immune system to the regulation of immune responses. It valuable resource for students and researchers alike.
Classic textbook of microbiology, covering a wide range of topics from the structure of bacteria to the regulation of microbial growth. It valuable resource for students and researchers alike.
Provides a clear and concise overview of RNA and protein synthesis. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the basic mechanisms of gene expression.
Save
Provides a fundamental introduction to DNA science, including transcription and transposition. It useful resource for students who need to refresh their basic knowledge or who are new to the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of bioinformatics techniques, including step-by-step protocols. It valuable resource for students and researchers alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of genes, including their structure, function, and regulation. It valuable resource for students and researchers interested in genes.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to the essential genes that are involved in transcription and transposition. It useful resource for students who want to gain a basic understanding of these processes.
Provides a comprehensive overview of molecular biology, including detailed coverage of transcription and transposition. It valuable resource for both students and researchers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of statistical methods used in molecular biology, including step-by-step examples. It valuable resource for students and researchers alike.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of genetics, including detailed coverage of transcription and transposition. It valuable resource for both students and researchers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of human biology, including detailed coverage of transcription and transposition. It valuable resource for both students and researchers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of biology, including detailed coverage of transcription and transposition. It valuable resource for both students and researchers.
Save
This classic biochemistry textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field, including chapters on transcription and translation. It would be a good resource for students who want to learn more about the biochemical basis of these processes.
This classic textbook of molecular biology provides a comprehensive overview of the field, including chapters on transcription and transposition. It would be an excellent supplemental or reference text for this course.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/yh2ded/molecular
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Rating
4.8
Effort
4 to 8 hours per week for 7 weeks
Level
Advanced
Via
edX
Institution
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Instructors
Stephen P. Bell
Tania A. Baker
Mary Ellen Wiltrout
Nathaniel Schafheimer
Sera Thornton
Language
English
Transcripts
English
中文
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