http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/33978 Biology (7) http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/49423 7.341 DNA Damage Checkpoints: The Emergency Brake on the Road to Cancer, Fall 2007 Reinhardt, Hans Christian van Vugt, Marcel A. The DNA contained in human cells is under constant attack by both exogenous and endogenous agents that can damage one of its three billion base pairs. To cope with this permanent exposure to DNA-damaging agents, such as the sun's radiation or by-products of our normal metabolism, powerful DNA damage checkpoints have evolved that allow organisms to survive this constant assault on their genomes. In this class we will analyze classical and recent papers from the primary research literature to gain a profound understanding of checkpoints that act as powerful emergency brakes to prevent cancer. We will consider basic principles of cell proliferation and molecular details of the DNA damage response. We will discuss the methods and model organisms typically used in this field as well as how an understanding of checkpoint mechanisms translates into the development of treatments for human cancer. This course will not stop at discussing literature. We will take it one step further and analyze real data in an MIT Biology laboratory. 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. Wed, 28 Nov 2007 22:58:59 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/46345 9.013J / 7.68J Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology: The Brain and Cognitive Sciences III, Spring 2003 Constantine-Paton, Martha, 1947- Sheng, Morgan Hwa-Tze Garrity, Paul A. Subject covers all major areas of cellular and molecular neurobiology including excitable cells and membranes, ion channels and receptors, synaptic transmission, cell type determination, axon guidance and targeting, neuronal cell biology, synapse formation and plasticity. Includes lectures and exams, and involves presentation and discussion of primary literature. Focus on major concepts and recent advances in experimental neuroscience. Thu, 29 May 2003 22:58:59 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/45544 7.88J / 5.48J / 7.24J / 10.543J Protein Folding Problem, Fall 2003 King, Jonathan, 1941- Gossard, D. Mechanisms by which the amino acid sequence of polypeptide chains determines their three-dimensional conformation. Topics include: sequence determinants of secondary structure; folding of newly synthesized polypeptide chains within cells; unfolding and refolding of proteins in vitro; folding intermediates aggregation and competing off-pathway reactions; role of chaperonins, isomerases, and other helper proteins; protein recovery problems in the biotechnology industry; diseases associated with protein folding defects. Fri, 28 Nov 2003 22:58:59 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/36856 BE.010J / 2.790J / 6.025J / 7.38J / 10.010J Introduction to Bioengineering, Spring 2005 Matsudaira, Paul T. Belcher, Angela M. Grodzinsky, Alan J. Designed as a freshmen seminar course, faculty from various School of Engineering departments describe the research and educational opportunities specific to and offered by their departments. Background lectures by the BE.010J staff introduce students to the fundamental scientific basis for bioengineering. Specially produced videos provide additional background information that is supplemented with readings from newspaper and magazine articles. Sun, 29 May 2005 22:58:59 GMT