This session introduces bioinformatics using a case study of pathogenic bacterial identification via a Howard Hughes Medical Institute's virtual lab and NCBI web database searches. Another goal is to get the students thinking, writing and talking about the impact of the human genome project. Our students do the exercise independently coming together in the laboratory to present and discuss their findings--this feature makes the exercise feasible for large or small classes with limited laboratory computer resources. The sub-theme of this session is the use of virtual laboratories (vlabs) re-enforcing scientific concepts and methods to supplement lectures, tutorials or "wet" labs.

This educational journal article addresses the implementation of bioinformatics in the classroom. The author explains how bioinformatics could play a key role for science students pursuing higher education, foster inquiry learning of content that has often been taught in a dry manner, provide the thread that ties classes together, improve biology teaching, enhance the learning of biotech issues and ethics, expose students to real-world science, and significantly help to reform biology teaching and improve learning. The article includes links to bioinformatics resources, information about how to get involved in bioinformatics, and a glossary of terms.

Read how DNA was used to solve the mystery of the Romanov family's execution.

Human DNA profiling has applications in paternity testing and forensics. This exercise provides students the opportunity to gain first-hand experience with procedures that are currently used to extract DNA from their own cells, quantify the DNA in the extract, perform a multiplex PCR amplification of several loci used in forensic analysis, and determine their own genotype at those loci. In addition, methods for analyzing results relative to existing population databases will be presented. The exercise is normally presented in the context of a laboratory course in Forensic DNA Analysis that presents students with a variety of techniques that have been and/or continue to be employed in forensic laboratories.

Genetically modified foods are often in the news and widely grown in the United States. Three US government agencies (USDA, FDA, and EPA) work to regulate the introduction and production of genetically modified foods. These crops can provide agricultural, ecological and nutritional benefits, but there are also potential risks to the environment and consumers. As consumers and public interest groups around the world have become aware of these risks, there has been a call for more explicit product labeling and reliable methods for the detection of genetic modification in the foods we eat. This lab activity explores these issues by taking students through a three-part process to detect the presence of genetic modification in corn (maize) or soy food products. This lab uses one of the two methods for detection of genetic modification currently approved by the European Union.

7.02 and 7.021 require simultaneous registration. Application of experimental techniques in biochemistry, microbiology, and cell biology. Emphasizes integrating factual knowledge with understanding the design of experiments and data analysis to prepare the students for research projects. Instruction and practice in written communication provided.

Designed for students without previous experience in techniques of cellular and molecular biology, this class teaches basic experimental techniques in cellular and molecular neurobiology. Experimental approaches covered include tissue culture of neuronal cell lines, dissection and culture of brain cells, DNA manipulation, synaptic protein analysis, immunocytochemistry, and fluorescent microscopy.

This experiment uses polymerase chain reaction to demonstrate the polymorphic nature of human DNA. Students obtain samples of their own DNA using a simple mouthwash procedure. PCR is used to amplify a noncoding region of chromosome 1 that contains a repeated DNA sequence. The number of times the sequence repeats can vary from person to person, resulting in a polymorphism. Following amplification, student samples are electrophoresed, stained, and photographed. Each student will see one or two bands in their gel lane, indicating whether they are homozygous or heterozygous for that region of chromosome 1. This experiment is adapted from Advanced DNA Science: An Introduction to Methods of Genome Analysis by Mark V. Bloom, Greg A. Freyer, and David A. Micklos (copyright 1993 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and Carolina Biological Supply Company); polymerase chain reaction is covered by patents owned by Hoffman La Roche.

In this laboratory exercise students will learn how to: (a) Isolate DNA from individual sturgeon and other fish eggs (available at any local deli that sells caviar) using the DNAzol method, (b) Set up control and species-specific PCR reactions using primers that have been developed for DNA from sturgeon species and (c) Use electrophoresis and methylene blue and/or ethidium bromide staining to visualize the PCR products. This laboratory exercise would allow students to contribute to a growing DNA database on endangered species.

The MIT Biology Department core courses, 7.012, 7.013, and 7.014, all cover the same core material, which includes the fundamental principles of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology. Biological function at the molecular level is particularly emphasized and covers the structure and regulation of genes, as well as, the structure and synthesis of proteins, how these molecules are integrated into cells, and how these cells are integrated into multicellular systems and organisms. In addition, each version of the subject has its own distinctive material.

The MIT Biology Department core courses, 7.012, 7.013, and 7.014, all cover the same core material, which includes the fundamental principles of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology. Biological function at the molecular level is particularly emphasized and covers the structure and regulation of genes, as well as, the structure and synthesis of proteins, how these molecules are integrated into cells, and how these cells are integrated into multicellular systems and organisms. In addition, each version of the subject has its own distinctive material. 7.014 focuses on the application of the fundamental principles toward an understanding of human biology. Topics include genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, disease (infectious agents, inherited diseases and cancer), developmental biology, neurobiology and evolution.

The MIT Biology Department core courses, 7.012, 7.013, and 7.014, all cover the same core material, which includes the fundamental principles of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology. Biological function at the molecular level is particularly emphasized and covers the structure and regulation of genes, as well as, the structure and synthesis of proteins, how these molecules are integrated into cells, and how these cells are integrated into multicellular systems and organisms. In addition, each version of the subject has its own distinctive material. 7.014 focuses on the application of these fundamental principles, toward an understanding of microorganisms as geochemical agents responsible for the evolution and renewal of the biosphere and of their role in human health and disease.

The MIT Biology Department core courses, 7.012, 7.013, and 7.014, all cover the same core material, which includes the fundamental principles of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology. Biological function at the molecular level is particularly emphasized and covers the structure and regulation of genes, as well as, the structure and synthesis of proteins, how these molecules are integrated into cells, and how these cells are integrated into multicellular systems and organisms. In addition, each version of the subject has its own distinctive material.7.014 focuses on the application of the fundamental principles toward an understanding of human biology. Topics include genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, disease (infectious agents, inherited diseases and cancer), developmental biology, neurobiology and evolution.

This course introduces experimental biochemical and molecular techniques from a quantitative engineering perspective. Experimental design, rigorous data analysis, and scientific communication form the underpinnings of this subject. Three discovery-based experimental modules focus on genome engineering, expression engineering, and biomaterial engineering.