The lethal poison Ricin (best known as a weapon of bioterrorism), Diphtheria …
The lethal poison Ricin (best known as a weapon of bioterrorism), Diphtheria toxin (the causative agent of a highly contagious bacterial disease), and the widely used antibiotic tetracycline have one thing in common: They specifically target the cell's translational apparatus and disrupt protein synthesis. In this course, we will explore the mechanisms of action of toxins and antibiotics, their roles in everyday medicine, and the emergence and spread of drug resistance. We will also discuss the identification of new drug targets and how we can manipulate the protein synthesis machinery to provide powerful tools for protein engineering and potential new treatments for patients with devastating diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy. This course is one of many Advanced Undergraduate Seminars offered by the Biology Department at MIT. These seminars are tailored for students with an interest in using primary research literature to discuss and learn about current biological research in a highly interactive setting. Many instructors of the Advanced Undergraduate Seminars are postdoctoral scientists with a strong interest in teaching.
Weddell seal project researchers are investigating whether Weddell seal pups that spend …
Weddell seal project researchers are investigating whether Weddell seal pups that spend more time in the water learning to swim with their mothers have a higher probability of surviving to return and have pups of their own. Weddell moms spend a lot of time with their pups coaxing them into the cold Antarctic water and helping their pups get in and out of the water as they learn to swim. During this time, Weddell pups are also nursing and gaining substantial weight from their mothers' rich milk before they are weaned and left to fend for themselves.
This graph depicts survival curves for 196 adult female baboons from a …
This graph depicts survival curves for 196 adult female baboons from a population in Kenya. The baboons were grouped by the number of adverse conditions that they had experienced early in life. Project or distribute the image to engage students. The downloadable Educator Materials PDF, which includes background information, graph interpretation and discussion questions, and the Student Handout, which includes the image and background information, have been remediated to comply with Section 508 of the National Rehabilitation Act for accessibility and can be used with screen readers.
Students are introduced to the concept of engineering biological organisms and studying …
Students are introduced to the concept of engineering biological organisms and studying their growth to be able to identify periods of fast and slow growth. They learn that bacteria are found everywhere, including on the surfaces of our hands. Student groups study three different conditions under which bacteria are found and compare the growth of the individual bacteria from each source. In addition to monitoring the quantity of bacteria from differ conditions, they record the growth of bacteria over time, which is an excellent tool to study binary fission and the reproduction of unicellular organisms.
In this inquiry activity, students generate investigable questions to explore the link …
In this inquiry activity, students generate investigable questions to explore the link between hygiene/cleanliness and bacteria growth/population. The students will present their conclusions, and video clips containing additional information will be discussed.
Introduction to haematology including link to OER on blood cell types, and …
Introduction to haematology including link to OER on blood cell types, and how to perform blood counts on an automated analysis system. Resources also include a short video on how to perform a blood smear for histological staining.
Understanding the basic needs for survival is a foundational science concept. This …
Understanding the basic needs for survival is a foundational science concept. This interactive lesson introduces the students to the concept of needs through a popular children's book.
Students will plant seeds at various depths in the soil and make …
Students will plant seeds at various depths in the soil and make observations after seedlings emerge. Based on their observations, students will decide what measurements could be made.
This is an activity that involves students modeling the behavior and competition …
This is an activity that involves students modeling the behavior and competition that Charles Darwin's finches would have gone through as they competed for food and space on the Galapagos Islands. Some will survive. Some won't.
Meet the Bio Builders—a team of scientists at the Thomson Lab who …
Meet the Bio Builders—a team of scientists at the Thomson Lab who are using stem cells to repair damaged tissue and improve human health treatments.
Resources available for learning about this lab include: • Interactive cards designed to introduce students to scientists in a more personal way • A video with a personal story that explains why the lab's research matters in real life • Questions to consider that will spark connection, reflection, and conversation • An interactive video experience where you can ask questions of scientists in the lab and learn about their research • An inquiry-based activity that focuses on doing science, using some of the same science practices that the lab uses • An educator guide with information about standards alignment, curriculum connections, and tips for using the media resources
These resources are part of Meet the Lab, a collection of educational resources for middle school classrooms.
This course focuses on the interaction of chemical engineering, biochemistry, and microbiology. …
This course focuses on the interaction of chemical engineering, biochemistry, and microbiology. Mathematical representations of microbial systems are featured among lecture topics. Kinetics of growth, death, and metabolism are also covered. Continuous fermentation, agitation, mass transfer, and scale-up in fermentation systems, and enzyme technology round out the subject material.
Students explore the biosphere's environments and ecosystems, learning along the way about …
Students explore the biosphere's environments and ecosystems, learning along the way about the plants, animals, resources and natural cycles of our planet. Over the course of lessons 2-6, students use their growing understanding of various environments and the engineering design process to design and create their own model biodome ecosystems - exploring energy and nutrient flows, basic needs of plants and animals, and decomposers. Students learn about food chains and food webs. They are introduced to the roles of the water, carbon and nitrogen cycles. They test the effects of photosynthesis and transpiration. Students are introduced to animal classifications and interactions, including carnivore, herbivore, omnivore, predator and prey. They learn about biomimicry and how engineers often imitate nature in the design of new products. As everyday applications are interwoven into the lessons, students consider why a solid understanding of one's environment and the interdependence within ecosystems can inform the choices we make and the way we engineer our communities.
This resources provides a framework that students will follow for student debate/discussion …
This resources provides a framework that students will follow for student debate/discussion on the values and drawbacks of bio-fuels (ethanol). Students are given background knowledge and time to research articles about bio-fuels and the impact on the environment and society. Students without a background in research would need instruction from the teacher or library media specialist. The students research individually. The students initially discuss their research in small groups to clarify meaning and understanding. Finally, the students debate independently.
The lesson provides basic research frameworks; and formative and summative assessment opportunities.
This course illustrates how knowledge and principles of biology, biochemistry, and engineering …
This course illustrates how knowledge and principles of biology, biochemistry, and engineering are integrated to create new products for societal benefit. It uses a case study format to examine recently developed products of pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries: how a product evolves from initial idea, through patents, testing, evaluation, production, and marketing. Emphasizes scientific and engineering principles; the responsibility scientists, engineers, and business executives have for the consequences of their technology; and instruction and practice in written and oral communication. The topic focus of this class will vary from year to year. This version looks at inflammation underlying many diseases, specifically its role in cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
This course covers sensing and measurement for quantitative molecular/cell/tissue analysis, in terms …
This course covers sensing and measurement for quantitative molecular/cell/tissue analysis, in terms of genetic, biochemical, and biophysical properties. Methods include light and fluorescence microscopies; electro-mechanical probes such as atomic force microscopy, laser and magnetic traps, and MEMS devices; and the application of statistics, probability and noise analysis to experimental data.
In this course problems from biological engineering are used to develop structured …
In this course problems from biological engineering are used to develop structured computer programming skills and explore the theory and practice of complex systems design and construction.
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