Course Description: This course integrates biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology to provide a foundation for many of the more specialized courses in the major. Topics include structure and function of membranes and cell organelles; gene structure, function and regulation; bioenergetics; cell cycle control, signal transduction and genetic engineering. Associated laboratory exercises highlight the techniques used in cell and molecular biology research and teach experimental design, troubleshooting and critical analysis. By taking both BIOL 223 and CHEM 254, students are exposed to the material typically covered in an undergraduate, introductory biochemistry course. Students must register for both lecture and laboratory (BIOL 224) concurrently. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 and CHEM 102.
Sample Syllabus: BIOL213 Fall 2023
Waitlist: Reach out to Professor Darla French for waitlist inquiries for both the lecture and lab sections.
Course Description: This laboratory exposes students to a variety of experimental methods in cell and molecular biology and biochemistry research, including techniques used to analyze and manipulate enzymes, DNA, and gene expression pathways. The laboratory exercises emphasize experimental design, troubleshooting, and critical analysis. Must be taken concurrently with BIOL 223. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 and CHEM 102.
Sample Syllabus: BIOL213 Lab Spring 2024
Note: In 2025-2026, this coure is changing to an undergraduate research intensive course, where students will become directly involved in my lab's reasearch!
Waitlist: Reach out to Professor Darla French for waitlist inquiries for both the lecture and lab sections.
Course Description: This laboratory course will serve as an introduction to techniques used to study eukaryotic cell structure and function. Students will learn a variety of cellular and molecular techniques that are widely used to study cellular growth, division, and function in both fundamental biology and applied biomedical research fields. This course will also provide students with experience in experimental design and analysis. Occasionally, students will be required to work outside the scheduled lab period. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 213.
Sample Syllabus: BIOL340 Spring 2024
Note: This course has limited enrollment due to equipment constraints. Not offered in the 2024-2025 academic year.
Course Description: This course provides an in-depth examination of genome structure and gene expression. Topics encompass genome integrity, including DNA replication, repair, and recombination, as well as the dynamics of gene expression through transcription and translation. In the required laboratory component, students will actively contribute to experimental design to develop research skills in molecular cloning, genetic engineering, and gene expression analysis. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 213 or 223/224.
New Course - Spring 2025
Course Description: This student-led discussion-based course will cover the breadth of molecular mechanisms that underlie the aging process. We will discuss how laboratory findings have been translated into human populations, including various biotechnologies and popularized lifestyle interventions purported to offset aging. Students will develop skills in reading primary scientific literature and in both written and oral scientific communication. The topics covered will introduce students to a variety of methodologies used not only in the aging field but across molecular medicine disciplines. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 213.
Sample Syllabus: BIOL417 - Fall 2023
Spring 2021. This semester-long pedagogical training for Biology teaching assistants focused on evidence-based research on active learning, inclusive teaching, and related topics.
Fall 2022. This interactive workshop series at MIT focused on evidence-based learning techniques, assessing and providing feedback, and creating a warm and welcoming environment. Developed a course syllabus and practiced lesson planning through “microteaching” workshops. Read more here.
November 2022. This intensive two-part workshop held at MIT focused on identity-informed pedagogy and tools for developing inclusive classroom practices.