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MITx: Introduction to Biology - The Secret of Life

Explore the secret of life through the basics of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, recombinant DNA, genomics and rational medicine.

16 weeks
5–10 hours per week
Instructor-paced
Instructor-led on a course schedule
Free
Optional upgrade available

There is one session available:

235,226 already enrolled! After a course session ends, it will be archivedOpens in a new tab.
Starts Nov 5
Ends Feb 25, 2025

About this course

Skip About this course

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 videos, test yourself questions, and interactive problem sets. We strongly encourage you to work through the activities, towards a goal of learning biology. We have optimized the course settings for learning: instant correctness feedback after trying formative assessment problems and all content available at all times for self-paced progress. We offer a thorough and robust means of certifying learners in their mastery of the MITx introductory biology content, through 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 major assessment that counts toward a certificate. We recommend preparing for the Competency Exam certification using current course materials and MIT OpenCourseWare problems. The Competency Exam is offered during 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!

At a glance

  • Institution: MITx
  • Subject: Biology & Life Sciences
  • Level: Introductory
  • Prerequisites:

    High school level biology and chemistry recommended. A desire to learn is required.

  • Language: English
  • Video Transcripts: English, 中文
  • Associated skills:Biology, Ribonucleic Acid Sequencing, Macromolecule, Auditing, Genomics, Recombinant DNA Technology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Formative And Summative Assessments

What you'll learn

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  1. How to describe the building blocks of life and how their interactions dictate structure and function in biology
  2. How to predict genotypes and phenotypes given genetics data
  3. How to explain the central dogma of molecular biology and convert DNA sequence to RNA sequence to protein sequence
  4. How to use molecular tools to study biology
  5. How to describe the principles of early sequencing as well as modern sequencing and the effects of these technologies on the filed of genomics
  6. How to apply the principles of modern biology to issues in today's society

Learner testimonials

Skip Learner testimonials

"Dr. Lander's [7.00x] course is a rare gem...The course is very polished and well-organized -- much more than any other course I have taken either online or at the University." - student onCourseTalk

Who can take this course?

Unfortunately, learners residing in one or more of the following countries or regions will not be able to register for this course: Iran, Cuba and the Crimea region of Ukraine. While edX has sought licenses from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to offer our courses to learners in these countries and regions, the licenses we have received are not broad enough to allow us to offer this course in all locations. edX truly regrets that U.S. sanctions prevent us from offering all of our courses to everyone, no matter where they live.

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