MIT OpenCourseWare · Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT Introduction to Biology
An archived MIT biology course introducing biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and cell function through university-level material.
Beginner10+ hours
Biology courses and tutorials
Explore introductory biology learning for cells, genes, and biological explanation, with advice on archived university courses and checking current research context.
1 learning resource in this collection
About Biology
Biology studies living systems across several levels of organization. An introductory course builds vocabulary and explanatory models for later work. It is useful to connect a named structure with what it does and how that function is investigated.
Choose a useful starting point
Check the scope and age of a university course. Older lectures can explain enduring foundations while examples and research context need updating. Use diagrams actively and distinguish a simplified teaching model from the full behavior of a living system.
Build on the lessons
Explain a biological process in your own diagram and identify the evidence behind a key step. Note which details would need a current reference.