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Antibiotics, Toxins, and Protein Engineering OpenCourseWare: A Free Undergraduate Biology Course on Antibiotics and Drug Resistance by MIT

Published Feb 05, 2009

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Advanced Biology students may find 'Antibiotics, Toxins, and Protein Engineering' a fascinating look at how toxins, poisons and antibiotics work at the cellular level. This free OpenCourseWare class offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) looks at specific topics, like protein synthesis, common toxins used in bioterrorism and how the overuse of antibiotics has led to widespread drug resistance. 'Antibiotics, Toxins, and Protein Engineering' is part of a Bachelor of Science in Biology curriculum.

Antibiotics, Toxins, and Protein Engineering: Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
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Antibiotics, Toxins, and Protein Engineering: Course Details

'Antibiotics, Toxins, and Protein Engineering.' Covers the mechanism of protein synthesis and how different agents can disrupt it. This free OpenCourseWare was adapted from lectures given by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Professors Dr. Caroline Koehrer and Dr. Mandana Sassanfar. The course is for advanced students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology and begins with a detailed look at the different steps of protein synthesis, an important cellular function that is essential to life forms. Students will study the biological weapons toxin Ricin, Shiga toxin and diphtheria and how these agents disrupt protein synthesis. You'll find out about the common antibacterial medicine Tetracycline, which helps the body to fight off disease by inhibiting cellular function similarly to deadly toxins to produce a positive effect. The class also discusses how widespread antibiotic use contributes to drug resistance. The OpenCourseWare materials end with a discussion of how mutations in protein synthesis can cause human diseases or create different treatment options. Students can test their knowledge with free assignments available online.

This free OpenCourseWare includes a syllabus, course calendar, annotated bibliography with links to many of the readings, summary of class lectures and descriptions of two assignments. Then check out the antibiotics and drug resistance course page.

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