7.391: Introduction to Molecular Biology Techniques
Dr. Mandana Sassanfar
Topics of current or special interest. This intensive "boot-camp" style course will provide hands-on instruction in basic molecular biological techniques including isoloation and quantification of nucleic acid and protein, agarose and SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis, PCR, microbiology, and bioinformatics. In addition students will learn more elaborate techniques such as ultracentrifugation and electron microscopy to purify and view virus particles. Emphasis will be on real-world application and experimentation in preparation for a more successful UROP experience.
Priority will be given to freshmen with no prior research experience. Interested students must fill out an application form (linked file) and email to Dr. Sassanfar. Deadline 12/11. You will be notified by 12/18 whether you are enrolled in the class.
Comments on the 2009 (anonymous) course evaluations :
" 7.391 is a crash course in what it means to be in a biology lab-the multi-tasking, the late nights, the repeated experiments, the inside jokes, the fellow lab-rats, and of course, the beauty of the results."
"7.391, while rigorous and challenging, rewarded me with a sense of security in the lab, and helped me better understand the mechanisms behind the theories we learn about in biology lectures."
"7.391 is a great interactive class that will challenge you and prepare you with lots of knowledge and experience in biolabs! You will enjoy the teamwork, the lab procedures, and most of all, seeing your experiments go successfully. |
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Mon-Fri, Jan 11-15, 19-22, 25, 12:30-5:00pm, 68-217
Enter departmental lottery by: 11-Dec-2009
Do not Preregister on Websis.
Limited to 12 participants.
No listeners.
Prereq: 7.01x or AP Biology-This course is
not a substitute for 7.02
Level: U 6 units Graded P/D/F Can be repeated
for credit
Fee: 50.00
Download Application (linked file)
- Contact: Dr. Mandana Sassanfar, 68-270A,
x2-4371,
mandana [at] mit.edu
-
- For credit: Level: 6
units
Sponsor: Biology
"For me, the course was integral
in finding a UROP. Before the course, I interviewed with
many labs who were discouraged by my lack of experience.
However, after the course, researchers that I met were impressed
by many of the techniques I had learned (for example, CsCl
ultracentrifugation) and confident that I could work independently
in their labs. When I started UROPing, I felt comfortable
with a wide base of skills to use and improve. After the
course I started working in Alexander Rich Lab. I currently
study the effect of genotoxins on Z-DNA-forming promoter
regions within the human genome. I am planning on majoring
in 10B." — Zachary Waxman '11 |
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