Biology IAP Offerings
Source: http://biology.mit.edu/undergraduate/current-students/subject-offerings/independent-activities-period/ Parent: http://biology.mit.edu/undergraduate/current-students/career-development/
The Independent Activities Period (IAP) is a special four-week term at MIT that runs from the first week of January until the end of the month. We offer both credit and non-credit opportunities.
For Credit
7.102 -- Introduction to Molecular Biology Techniques
Building 68, Room 089
Level: U | 6 units (0-5-1) | Can be repeated for credit.
Instructors: Prof. Jackie Lees, Dr. Mandana Sassanfar
Prerequisites: None – Note that this course is not a substitute for 7.002 or 7.003
This intensive “boot-camp” style lab course introduces students to basic research and teaches them many fundamental laboratory skills by providing hands-on instruction in basic molecular biology and microbiology techniques including sterile techniques, bacterial cultures, isolation and quantification of nucleic acid (DNA) and protein, agarose and SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis, PCR, gene cloning, spectroscopy, microscopy, ultracentrifugation, DNA sequence analysis, and curve fitting using python. Students will learn to grow bacteria, purify viruses that infect bacteria using advanced techniques such as ultracentrifugation and learn about electron microscopy. Emphasis will be on real-world application in preparation for a successful UROP experience. This lab course will also improve students troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Priority will be given to freshmen with no prior research experience.
Participants are expected to spend every afternoon from 12:30 to 5:15pm in the lab. As in a real lab situation, some experiments will take longer than expected, or will need to be repeated for accuracy. Students will work in teams of 2 and should divide the work load equally. If you are in a sport team and need to leave earlier than 5:15 PM or arrive later than 12:30 on certain days you can coordinate your schedule accordingly and in consultation with the lab instructors and your lab mate.
Apply by December 7 by filling out this form and emailing it to Dr. Mandana Sassanfar. The class is limited to 16 students. No listeners. Applicants will receive confirmation of their registration status by December 12.
7.102 in the News:
https://news.mit.edu/2012/microbiology-iap-course
https://news.mit.edu/2021/desmond-edwards-science-benefit-society-1121
https://news.mit.edu/2025/enhancing-future-teaching-and-learning-mit-0417