Magnolia petals stained with methylene blue and shown at 100 times magnification. (Image courtesy of kaibara on Flickr.)
Featured Courses
The Department of Biology offers undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral training programs ranging from general biology to more specialized fields of study and research.
The quantitative aspects of biology - including molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology - represent the core of the academic program. Courses are designed to provide a solid background in the physical sciences and to develop an integrated scientific perspective.
Both the graduate program (ranked among the top three biological science graduate programs in the nation) and undergraduate program offer students an intellectually stimulating environment, with numerous research opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities. These programs emphasize practical experimentation by combining course-related laboratory exercises with research opportunities in project-oriented and faculty sponsored laboratories. Students at all levels are encouraged to acquire familiarity with advanced research techniques and to participate in seminar activities.
Biology Courses
Archived Biology Courses
Some prior versions of courses listed above have been archived in OCW's DSpace@MIT repository for long-term access and preservation. Links to archived prior versions of a course may be found on that course's "Other Versions" tab.
Additionally, the Archived Biology Courses page has links to every archived course from this department.