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.

For more information, go to http://web.mit.edu/biology/www/ .

Recent Submissions

  • 7.346 Virus-host Interactions in Infectious Diseases, Spring 2013 

    Sanyal, Sumana; Ashour, Joseph (2013-06)
    Co-evolution and adaptation between viruses and humans are often portrayed as a zero-sum biological arms race. Viruses enter host cells equipped with an array of mechanisms to evade the host defense responses and replicate. ...
  • 7.02 / 10.702 Experimental Biology & Communication, Spring 2005 

    King, Jonathan; Guarente, Leonard; Steiner, Lisa; RajBhandary, Uttam (2005-06)
    This introductory biology laboratory course covers the application of experimental techniques in microbiology, biochemistry, cell and developmental biology. Emphasis is placed on the integration of factual knowledge with ...
  • 7.13 Experimental Microbial Genetics, Fall 2003 

    Melvold, Janis; Lessard, Philip; Sinskey, Anthony (2003-12)
    Also referred to as the Microbial Genetics Project Lab, this is a hands-on research course designed to introduce the student to the strategies and challenges associated with microbiology research. Students take on independent ...

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