Program in Media Arts and Sciences

The Program in Media Arts and Sciences (MAS) focuses on the invention, study, and creative use of new technologies that change how we express ourselves, how we communicate with each other, how we learn, and how we perceive and interact with the world. The field draws on a number of other disciplines, including computer science, cognitive sciences, communications, design, and the expressive arts. The program offers undergraduate and graduate subjects and a graduate program leading to master's and doctoral degrees. Its academic programs are intimately linked with the research programs of the Media Lab.

Inquiries

Additional information about the programs in Media Arts and Sciences, graduate admissions, research programs, and research assistantships may be obtained from MAS Headquarters, Room E15-435, 617-253-5114.

Undergraduate Study

Most MAS undergraduate subjects are project oriented and relate to ongoing research within the Media Lab. Certain graduate subjects are open to advanced undergraduates (see Subjects for details). Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) positions at the Media Lab are a major part of the MAS education offerings to undergraduates.

Graduate Study

Media Arts and Sciences (MAS) offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science, the Master of Science (SM) in Media Technology, the Master of Science in Media Arts and Sciences, and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Media Arts and Sciences. Graduate students work closely with a research advisor in an apprenticeship relationship. Students enter the program from a wide variety of backgrounds, including electrical engineering, physics, computer science, cognitive science, mechanical engineering, art and design, and the learning sciences.

Students in the master's programs are required to spend at least four terms in residence (one of which may be a summer term). All SM students must meet the Institute's General Degree Requirements: a 66-unit program of study and a satisfactory research thesis. The degree is awarded upon successful completion of all program requirements.

Students wishing to pursue a PhD degree must demonstrate exemplary progress in the master's program and gain approval from a departmental committee review. Requirements for the PhD degree include successful completion of MAS general exams, and successful completion and defense of a dissertation based on original and significant research within one of the Media Lab's research groups.

Financial Support

The Program in Media Arts and Sciences offers financial assistance to all successful applicants in the form of research assistantships or fellowships within the Media Lab, which are an important part of the educational program. Students in the program also receive academic credit for part of their research activities.

Faculty and Teaching Staff

Tod Machover, MM

Muriel R. Cooper Professor of Music and Media

Academic Head, Media Arts and Sciences Program

Joseph A. Paradiso, PhD

Alexander W. Dreyfoos (1954) Professor in Media Arts and Sciences

Associate Academic Head, Media Arts and Sciences Program

(On sabbatical)

Professors

Edward S. Boyden III, PhD

Y. Eva Tan Professor in Neurotechnology

Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences

Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Professor of Biological Engineering

Cynthia Lynn Breazeal, PhD

Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Neil Gershenfeld, PhD

Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Hugh M. Herr, PhD

Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Hiroshi Ishii, PhD

Jerome B. Wiesner Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Patricia Maes, MM, PhD

Germeshausen Professor of Media Technology

(On sabbatical, spring)

Alex Pentland, PhD

Professor Post-Tenure of Media Arts and Sciences

Member, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society

Rosalind W. Picard, ScD

Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Mitchel Resnick, PhD

LEGO Professor of Learning Research

Deb K. Roy, PhD

Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Member, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society

Associate Professors

Fadel Adib, PhD

Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Canan Dagdeviren, PhD

LG Career Development Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Kevin Esvelt, PhD

NEC Career Development Professor of Computer and Communications

Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Joseph Jacobson, PhD

Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Ramesh Raskar, PhD

Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Member, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society

Danielle Wood, PhD

Benesse Corporation Career Development Professor of Research in Education

Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Assistant Professors

Behnaz Farahi, PhD

ABC Career Development Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Assistant Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Paul Pu Liang, PhD

Sony Career Development Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Assistant Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Deblina Sarkar, PhD

AT&T Career Development Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Assistant Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Professors of the Practice

Kent Larson, BArch

Professor of the Practice of Media Arts and Sciences

Visiting Professors

Susan Blumenthal, MPA, MD

Visiting Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

William D. Hillis, PhD

Visiting Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Meleko Mokgosi, MFA

Martin Luther King, Jr. Visiting Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Robert Stickgold, PhD

Visiting Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Visiting Associate Professors

Hossein Rahnama, PhD

Visiting Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Visiting Assistant Professors

Martina Motta, PhD

Visiting Assistant Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Adjunct Associate Professors

Zachary Lieberman, MFA

Adjunct Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Lecturers

Joost Paul Bonsen, MS

Lecturer in Media Arts and Sciences

Mark Feldmeier, PhD

Lecturer in Media Arts and Sciences

Research Staff

Senior Research Scientists

Andrew B. Lippman, MS

Senior Research Scientist of Media Arts and Sciences

Professors Emeriti

Barry Lloyd Vercoe, DMA

Professor Emeritus of Media Arts and Sciences

Professor Emeritus of Music

Undergraduate Subjects

MAS.131 Computational Camera and Photography

Prereq: Permission of instructor
U (Fall)
Not offered regularly; consult department
3-0-9 units

Covers the complete pipeline of computational cameras that attempt to digitally capture the essence of visual information by exploiting the synergistic combination of task-specific optics, illumination, sensors, and processing. Students discuss and use thermal, multi-spectral, high-speed and 3-D range-sensing cameras, as well as camera arrays. Presents opportunities in scientific and medical imaging, and mobile phone-based photography. Also covers cameras for human computer interaction (HCI) and sensors that mimic animal eyes. Intended for students with interest in algorithmic and technical aspects of imaging and photography. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

R. Raskar

MAS.132 Mathematical Methods in Imaging

Prereq: Permission of instructor
U (Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department
2-0-7 units

Surveys the landscape of imaging techniques and develops skills for conducting imaging research. Reviews technical and social aspects of the evolving camera culture and considers its role in transforming social interactions, reshaping businesses, and influencing communities worldwide. Explores innovative protocols for sharing and consumption of visual media, as well as novel hardware and software tools based on advanced lenses, digital illumination, modern sensors, and emerging image-analysis algorithms. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

R. Raskar

MAS.240 Black Mobility and Safety: From Birth to Walking in the US

Prereq: None
U (Fall)
Not offered regularly; consult department
3-0-6 units. HASS-S

One of two related subjects which explore physical, mental, socio-economic, political, and other issues related to mobility and safety for Black Americans through words, images, and sounds that reference social science and anti-racist research. Topics include birth, breathing, sleeping, eating, and walking while Black. Weekly meetings include private group discussions on assigned materials, public lectures from guests ranging from designers and urban planners to activists and social scientists, and private individual presentations for the group. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Limited to 10.

E. Ijeoma

MAS.241 Black Mobility and Safety: From Loving to Learning in the US

Prereq: None
U (Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department
3-0-6 units. HASS-S

One of two related subjects which explore physical, mental, socio-economic, political, and other issues related to mobility and safety for Black Americans through words, images, and sounds that reference social science and anti-racist research. Topics include learning, voting, driving, working, and loving while Black. Weekly meetings include private group discussions on assigned materials, public lectures from guests ranging from designers and urban planners to activists and social scientists, and private individual presentations for the group. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Limited to 10.

E. Ijeoma

MAS.342 Safeguarding the Future

Subject meets with MAS.842
Prereq: None
U (Spring)
3-0-9 units

Leading experts guide discussions of how to safeguard the world against the greatest threats to our future. Topics range from the overt perils of pandemic and nuclear proliferation to the underlying coordination failures responsible for climate change, and from technological stagnation to transformative AI. Draws on the history of invention and science communication to explore which technologies are most likely to shape the future and how inventors and developers can influence outcomes, with the goal of determining how to accomplish as much good as possible. Emphasizes science writing and communication. Students write three op-eds on key issues and participate in a group project aiming to coordinate effective action. Students taking the graduate version complete additional work.

K. Esvelt, M. Specter

MAS.453[J] Mobile and Sensor Computing

Same subject as 6.1820[J]
Prereq: 6.1800 or permission of instructor
U (Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department
3-0-9 units

See description under subject 6.1820[J].

H. Balakrishnan, S. Madden, F. Adib

MAS.460[J] Cybersecurity

Same subject as 17.447[J], IDS.050[J]
Subject meets with 17.448[J], IDS.350[J], MAS.660[J]
Prereq: None
U (Spring)
3-0-9 units. HASS-S

See description under subject 17.447[J].

N. Choucri, S. Pentland

MAS.490 Independent Study in Media Arts and Sciences

Prereq: Permission of instructor
U (Fall, Spring)
Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit.

Special projects on group or individual basis. Registration subject to prior arrangement of subject matter and supervision by staff.

Staff

MAS.491 Independent Study in Media Arts and Sciences

Prereq: Permission of instructor
U (Fall, Spring)
Units arranged [P/D/F]
Can be repeated for credit.

Special projects on group or individual basis. Registration subject to prior arrangement of subject matter and supervision by staff.

Staff

MAS.UR Undergraduate Research in Media Arts and Sciences

Prereq: None
U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer)
Units arranged [P/D/F]
Can be repeated for credit.

Individual or group study, research, or laboratory investigations under faculty supervision, including individual participation in an ongoing research project. See UROP coordinator for further information

MAS Staff

MAS.URG Undergraduate Research in Media Arts and Sciences

Prereq: None
U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer)
Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit.

MAS Staff

Graduate Subjects

MAS.531 Computational Camera and Photography

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall)
Not offered regularly; consult department
3-0-9 units

R. Raskar

MAS.532 Mathematical Methods in Imaging

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department
2-0-7 units

R. Raskar

MAS.552[J] City Science

Same subject as 4.557[J]
Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall, Spring)
3-0-9 units
Can be repeated for credit.

Focuses on innovative propositions for shaping the cities of tomorrow, responding to emerging trends, technologies, and ecological imperatives. Students take part in "what-if?" scenarios to tackle real-world challenges. Through collaborative, project-based learning in small teams, students are mentored by researchers from the City Science group. Projects focus on the application of these ideas to case study cities and may include travel. Invited guests from academia and industry participate. Repeatable for credit with permission of instructor.

K. Larson

MAS.600 Human 2.0

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Spring)
0-9-0 units

Covers principles underlying current and future technologies for cognitive, emotional and physical augmentation. Focuses on using anatomical, biomechanical, neuromechanical, biochemical and neurological models of the human body to guide the designs of augmentation technology for persons with either unusual or normal physiologies that wish to extend their cognitive, emotion, social or physical capability to new levels. Topics include robotic exoskeletons and powered orthoses, external limb prostheses, neural implant technology, social-emotional prostheses, and cognitive prostheses. Requires student presentations, critiques of class readings, and a final project including a publication-quality paper. Enrollment limited.

H. Herr

MAS.630 Advanced Seminar: Affective Computing and Ethics

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall)
2-0-10 units

Instructs students on how to develop artificial intelligence technologies that help people measure and communicate emotion, that respectfully read and that intelligently respond to emotion, and that have internal mechanisms inspired by the useful roles emotions play in humans. Students will also discuss ethical questions that arise with the use of emotion-AI technologies and how to prevent misuse. Topics vary from year to year, and may include the interaction of emotion with cognition and perception; the communication of human emotion via face, voice, physiology, and behavior; construction of computers, agents, and robots having skills of emotional intelligence; the role of emotion in decision-making and learning; and ethical uses of affective technologies for education, autism, health, and market research applications. Weekly reading, discussion, and a term project required. Enrollment limited.

R. W. Picard

MAS.660[J] Cybersecurity

Same subject as 17.448[J], IDS.350[J]
Subject meets with 17.447[J], IDS.050[J], MAS.460[J]
Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Spring)
3-0-9 units

See description under subject 17.448[J].

N. Choucri, S. Pentland

MAS.664[J] AI for Impact: Solving Societal-Scale Problems

Same subject as 15.376[J]
Prereq: None
G (Spring)
3-0-6 units
Can be repeated for credit.

Seminar promotes internal and external entrepreneurship, based on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, to increase understanding of how digital innovations grow into societal change. Cases illustrate examples of both successful and failed businesses, as well as difficulties in deploying and diffusing products. Explores a range of business models and opportunities enabled by emerging AI innovations. Students craft a business analysis for one of the featured technology innovations. Past analyses have become the basis for research publications, and new ventures. Particular focus on AI and big data, mobile, and the use of personal data.

R. Rasksar, J. Bonsen A. Pentland

MAS.665[J] Global Ventures

Same subject as 15.375[J], EC.731[J]
Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall)
3-0-9 units

Seminar on founding, financing, and building entrepreneurial ventures in developing nations. Challenges students to craft enduring and economically viable solutions to the problems faced by these countries. Cases illustrate examples of both successful and failed businesses, and the difficulties in deploying and diffusing products and services through entrepreneurial action. Explores a range of established and emerging business models, as well as new business opportunities enabled by innovations emerging from MIT labs and beyond. Students develop a business plan executive summary suitable for submission in the MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition's Accelerate Contest or MIT IDEAS.

J. Bonsen, A. Pentland, R. Raskar

MAS.690 Independent Study in Media Arts and Sciences

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall, Spring)
Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit.

Opportunity for independent study under regular supervision by a faculty member. Registration subject to prior arrangement of subject matter and supervision by staff.

Staff

MAS.712 Learning Creative Learning

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Spring)
3-0-9 units
Can be repeated for credit.

An introduction to the design of technologies, activities, and communities to support young people in creative learning experiences. Through readings, activities, and group discussions, explores the four P's of creative learning: projects, passion, peers, and play. Draws on examples from the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab, including the Scratch programming language and online community. Special focus on how to engage learners from many different backgrounds, with many different interests.

M. Resnick

MAS.740 Black Mobility and Safety: From Birth to Walking in the US

Prereq: None
G (Fall)
Not offered regularly; consult department
3-0-6 units

E. Ijeoma

MAS.741 Black Mobility and Safety: From Loving to Learning in the US

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department
3-0-6 units

One of two related subjects which explore physical, mental, socio-economic, political, and other issues related to mobility and safety for Black Americans through words, images, and sounds that reference social science and anti-racist research. Topics include learning, voting, driving, working, and loving while Black. Weekly meetings include private group discussions on assigned materials, public lectures from guests ranging from designers and urban planners to activists and social scientists, and private individual presentations for the group. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

E. Ijeoma

MAS.750 Human-Robot Interaction

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall)
Not offered regularly; consult department
2-0-7 units

In-depth exploration of the leading research, design principles, and technical challenges in human-robot interaction (HRI), with an emphasis on socially interactive robots. Topics include mixed-initiative interaction, multi-modal interfaces, face-to-face communication, human-robot teamwork, social learning, aspects of social cognition, and long-term interaction. Applications of these topics to the development of personal robots for health, education, elder care, domestic assistance, and other domains will be surveyed. Requires student presentations, critiques of class readings, student projects, and a final project including a publication quality paper.

C. Breazeal

MAS.771 Autism Theory and Technology

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department
2-0-10 units

Illuminates current theories about autism together with challenges faced by people on the autism spectrum. Theories in communicating, interacting socially, managing cognitive and affective overload, and achieving independent lifestyles are covered. In parallel, the course presents state-of-the-art technologies being developed for helping improve both theoretical understanding and practical outcomes. Participants expected to meet and interact with people on the autism spectrum. Weekly reading, discussion, and a term project required. Enrollment limited.

R. Picard

MAS.772 AI for Mental Health

Prereq: None
G (Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department
Units arranged

Provides instruction about behaviors and technologies that promote good mental health and foster resilience to stress and anxiety. Covers AI and smart technologies used in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating mental disorders. Students develop a project of their choosing on the topic, which may include novel technology design and evaluation, human subjects studies, machine learning and data analysis, or other investigations that propose and evaluate new ways to use AI for improving mental health. Enrollment limited; preference to MAS and other MIT students in their final year.

R. Picard

MAS.790 Independent Study in Media Arts and Sciences

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall, Spring)
Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit.

Opportunity for independent study under regular supervision by a faculty member. Registration subject to prior arrangement of subject matter and supervision by staff.

Staff

MAS.808 Decoders 2.0: Microfabricated Devices

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall)
Not offered regularly; consult department
3-0-6 units
Can be repeated for credit.

Explores various microfabricated device layouts and their impacts on the world through guest lectures. Follows with literature review wherein students compose a summary paper based on representative papers published by the guest lecturers. As a final project, students write and publish on the class website a comprehensive perspective article based on guest lectures. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. Limited to 10; preference to Media Arts and Sciences students.

C. Dagdeviren

MAS.809 Decoders 1.9: Introduction to Microfabrication

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall)
3-6-3 units

Lectures along with cleanroom lab sessions (in Conformable Decoders' YellowBox) provide exposure to cleanroom processes and microfabrication techniques. Builds practical experience with all five components of the microfabrication techniques, including cleaning, deposition, patterning, etching, and testing. Working in small teams, students complete a midterm project in which they create a video of a microfabrication process demonstrated in the cleanroom. As a final project, students identify a problem that would be tackled with a collective device fabricated in the cleanroom in following semester. Students work throughout the term to develop a class booklet of microfabrication terms. Limited to 10 students, no listeners.

C. Dagdeviren

MAS.810 Decoders 1.8: Project Realization in Cleanroom

Prereq: MAS.809 and permission of instructor
G (Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department
3-6-3 units

Builds on the combination of knowledge and skills learned in D1.0 and D1.7, respectively to guide students to develop their own mechanically adaptive (i.e., stretchable & flexible) piezoelectric systems. Students write an article about their research findings that will be published on the course website by the end of term. Instructs how to do literature review, to compose clear and concise sentences to describe findings, and to write a perspective article in a collective manner. Limited to 10; no listeners.

C. Dagdeviren

MAS.825[J] Musical Aesthetics and Media Technology

Same subject as 21M.580[J]
Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall)
Not offered regularly; consult department
3-3-6 units

In-depth exploration of contemporary concepts in music and media. Studies recent music that uses advanced technology, and the artistic motivations and concerns implied by the new media. Practical experience with computer music technology, including MIDI and post-MIDI systems. Special emphasis on the interactive systems for professionals as well as amateurs. Midterm paper and term project required.

T. Machover

MAS.826[J] Projects in Media and Music

Same subject as 21M.581[J]
Prereq: MAS.825[J]
G (Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department
3-3-6 units
Can be repeated for credit.

Current computer music concepts and practice. Project-based work on research or production projects using the Media Lab's computer music, interactive, and media resources. Requires significant studio work and a term project. Projects based on class interests and skills, and may be individually or group-based. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.

T. Machover

MAS.834 Tangible Interfaces

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall)
3-3-6 units

Explores design issues surrounding tangible user interfaces, a new form of human-computer interaction. Tangible user interfaces seek to realize seamless interfaces between humans, digital information, and the physical environment by giving physical form to digital information and computation, making bits directly manipulable with hands and perceptible at the periphery of human awareness. In the design studio environment, students explore experimental tangible interface designs, theories, applications, and underlying technologies, using concept sketches, posters, physical mockups, and working prototypes.

H. Ishii

MAS.836 Sensor Technologies for Interactive Environments

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Spring)
3-3-6 units

A broad introduction to a host of sensor technologies, illustrated by applications drawn from human-computer interfaces and ubiquitous computing. After extensively reviewing electronics for sensor signal conditioning, the lectures cover the principles and operation of a variety of sensor architectures and modalities, including pressure, strain, displacement, proximity, thermal, electric and magnetic field, optical, acoustic, RF, inertial, and bioelectric. Simple sensor processing algorithms and wired and wireless network standards are also discussed. Students are required to complete written assignments, a set of laboratories, and a final project.

J. Paradiso

MAS.837 Principles of Electronic Music Interfaces

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Spring)
3-0-9 units

Explores the ways in which electronic music is controlled and performed. A solid historical perspective is presented, tracing the development of various families of electronic musical controllers and instruments from their genesis in the late 1800s onwards. Design principles and engineering detail are also given for various current and classic controllers. Evolving issues in the control of computer music for live performance and interactive installations are discussed, including computer mapping of sensor signals and transduced gesture onto sound, music, and other media. Weekly reading assignments are given, and a final project or paper is required.

J. Paradiso

MAS.838[J] Prototyping our Sci-Fi Space Future: Designing & Deploying Projects for Zero Gravity Flights

Same subject as 16.88[J]
Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall)
2-2-8 units

Instruction in project development, prototyping, and deployment readiness for parabolic flights. Admitted student teams are offered flyer and project-deployment slots on the Space Exploration Initiative's spring parabolic flight, upon successful completion of the course in the fall and integration with the flight provider. Covers three main topic areas: 1) rapid prototyping and engineering skills to prepare projects for operation in microgravity; 2) logistics, training, and safety pre-approval steps to meet flight readiness requirements and pass a Technical Readiness Review (TRR); and 3) creative and technical lenses for the future of space exploration, examining the MIT Space Exploration Initiative's design and prototyping approach, and MIT parabolic flight research examples across Science, Engineering, Art, and Design, and across departments. Enrollment limited; admission by application.

J. Paradiso, A. Ekblaw

MAS.839[J] Operating in the Lunar Environment

Same subject as 16.839[J]
Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department
2-2-8 units

Explores in detail the design and engineering challenges posed by operating in the lunar environment. Students work in teams to design a payload to address strategic objectives associated with NASA's Artemis program, aiming to enable near-term sustainable settlements on the lunar surface. Lectures and associated recitations explore varying mission goals and operating environments, from lunar-class launch, to orbiters, landers, rovers, and habitats. Guest lecturers include prominent engineers, scientists, industry players, and policymakers with direct experience in lunar mission design and development. Enrollment limited; admission by application.

J. Hoffman, A. Ekblaw

MAS.841 Evolution: Natural and Directed

Prereq: None
G (Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department
3-0-9 units

Covers topics in molecular evolution, including mutation, recombination, evolvability, sexual reproduction and substitutes, experimental and directed evolution, genomic conflict, and gene drive. Features discussion-based critical analyses of the primary literature. At the end of the term, students prepare short research proposals emphasizing research strategy, experimental design, presentation, and writing. They also write a short grant proposal or manuscript intended for publication.

K. Esvelt

MAS.842 Safeguarding the Future

Subject meets with MAS.342
Prereq: None
G (Spring)
3-0-9 units

K. Esvelt, M. Specter

MAS.858[J] Asking How Space Enabled Designs Advance Justice and Development

Same subject as 16.857[J]
Prereq: None
G (Fall)
Not offered regularly; consult department
3-0-9 units

Examines theoretical and practical challenges of applying complex technology, such as space systems, to advance justice and development within human society. Proposes and critiques a concept of justice and development based on attainment of the US Sustainable Development Goals. Analyzes text by historians and economists around global patterns of uneven technology access. Teaches systems engineering tools to analyze the context, stakeholders, functions and forms of complex systems that impact society. Presents six space technologies used for specific Sustainable Development Goal. Students read several text, discuss key themes, write reflective responses, and write a research proposal on a topic of their choice. Part of two-class series on space technology and sustainable development. Limited to 15.

D. Wood

MAS.859[J] Space Technology for the Development Leader

Same subject as 16.859[J]
Prereq: None
G (Spring)
3-0-3 units

Follow on to MAS.858[J]. Introduces intersections between space technology and sustainable development by examining technical, policy and social aspects of seven space technologies: satellite earth observation; satellite communication; satellite positioning; human space flight and micro gravity research; space technology transfer; fundamental scientific space research; and small satellites. Lectures introduce the UN Sustainable Development Goals and show linkages to seven space technologies from the perspective of development practitioners. Students read scholarly papers, write weekly responses, give presentations, and write a research paper.

D. Wood

MAS.862 The Physics of Information Technology

Prereq: Permission of instructor
Acad Year 2024-2025: G (Spring)
Acad Year 2025-2026: Not offered
3-0-9 units

Self-contained introduction to the governing equations for devices that collect, store, manipulate, transmit and present information. Provides an understanding of how operational device principles work, their uses, the limits on their performance, and how they might be improved. Students review the foundations of thermodynamics and noise, electromagnetics, and the quantum description of materials, and then study their application in areas such as semiconductor logic, magnetic storage, wireless and optical communications, and quantum information and computation.

N. Gershenfeld

MAS.863[J] How to Make (Almost) Anything

Same subject as 4.140[J], 6.9020[J]
Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall)
3-9-6 units

Provides a practical hands-on introduction to digital fabrication, including CAD/CAM/CAE, NC machining, 3-D printing and scanning, molding and casting, composites, laser and waterjet cutting, PCB design and fabrication; sensors and actuators; mixed-signal instrumentation, embedded processing, and wired and wireless communications. Develops an understanding of these capabilities through projects using them individually and jointly to create functional systems.

N. Gershenfeld, J. DiFrancesco, J. Lavallee, G. Darcey

MAS.864 The Nature of Mathematical Modeling

Prereq: Permission of instructor
Acad Year 2024-2025: G (Spring)
Acad Year 2025-2026: Not offered
3-0-9 units

Surveys the range of levels of description for mathematical modeling, including analytical solutions and approximations for difference and differential equations; finite difference, finite element, and discrete element numerical models; stochastic processes, nonlinear function fitting, constrained optimization, and machine learning architectures. Emphasis is on how these methods relate, and on their efficient practical implementation.

N. Gershenfeld

MAS.865 Rapid-Prototyping of Rapid-Prototyping Machines: How to Make Something that Makes (Almost) Anything

Prereq: MAS.863[J] or permission of instructor
G (Spring)
3-9-0 units

Studies rapid-prototyping machines and covers the theory and practice of digital fabrication processes. Weekly lectures supported by readings from research literature. Students work on machine development projects throughout the term.

N. Gershenfeld

MAS.881[J] Principles of Neuroengineering

Same subject as 9.422[J], 20.452[J]
Subject meets with 20.352
Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall)
3-0-9 units

Covers how to innovate technologies for brain analysis and engineering, for accelerating the basic understanding of the brain, and leading to new therapeutic insight and inventions. Focuses on using physical, chemical and biological principles to understand technology design criteria governing ability to observe and alter brain structure and function. Topics include optogenetics, noninvasive brain imaging and stimulation, nanotechnologies, stem cells and tissue engineering, and advanced molecular and structural imaging technologies. Includes design projects. Designed for students with engineering maturity who are ready for design. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

E. S. Boyden, III

MAS.883[J] Revolutionary Ventures: How to Invent and Deploy Transformative Technologies

Same subject as 9.455[J], 15.128[J], 20.454[J]
Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall)
2-0-7 units

Seminar on envisioning and building ideas and organizations to accelerate engineering revolutions. Focuses on emerging technology domains, such as neurotechnology, imaging, cryotechnology, gerontechnology, and bio-and-nano fabrication. Draws on historical examples as well as live case studies of existing or emerging organizations, including labs, institutes, startups, and companies. Goals range from accelerating basic science to developing transformative products or therapeutics. Each class is devoted to a specific area, often with invited speakers, exploring issues from the deeply technical through the strategic. Individually or in small groups, students prototype new ventures aimed at inventing and deploying revolutionary technologies.

E. Boyden, J. Bonsen, J. Jacobson

MAS.885 How To Grow (Almost) Anything

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Spring)
3-0-9 units

Teaches skills at the cutting edge of bioengineering and synthetic biology. Taught in three major modules: synthetic biology bootcamp, biofabrication and imaging, and genome engineering. Guest lecturers provide expertise in their respective domains and wet lab skills development. Topics include bio design, next generation synthesis, bio production, protein design, synthetic minimal cells, engineering the gut microbiome, 3D bio printing & biofabrication, expansion microscopy, and DNA nanostructures. Students should have experience or background in at least one of the following areas: synthetic biology, molecular, cell, or micro-biology, digital fabrication, design, or art. Limited to 15.

J. Jacobson, D. Kong

MAS.890 Independent Study in Media Arts and Sciences

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall, Spring)
Units arranged [P/D/F]
Can be repeated for credit.

Opportunity for independent study under regular supervision by a faculty member. Registration subject to prior arrangement of subject matter and supervision by staff.

Staff

General

MAS.910 Research in Media Technology

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall, Spring, Summer)
Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit.

Research for Media Arts and Sciences students, where the assigned research is approved for academic credit by the department.

Staff

MAS.912 Teaching in Media Arts and Sciences

Prereq: None
G (Fall, Spring)
Units arranged [P/D/F]
Can be repeated for credit.

Laboratory, tutorial, or classroom teaching under the supervision of a Media Arts and Sciences faculty member. Students selected by interview. Enrollment limited by availability of suitable teaching assignments.

Staff

MAS.914 Practical Experience in Media Arts and Sciences

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall, Spring, Summer)
0-1-0 units
Can be repeated for credit.

For Media Arts and Sciences masters students participating in curriculum-related off-campus professional internship experiences. Before enrolling, students must have an employment offer from a company or organization and approval from their advisor. Subject to departmental approval. Upon completion of the activity the student must submit a write-up of the experience, approved by the MIT advisor. Consult the MAS Office for details on procedures and restrictions.

MAS Staff

MAS.915 Practical Experience in Media Arts and Sciences

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall, Spring, Summer)
0-1-0 units
Can be repeated for credit.

For Media Arts and Sciences doctoral students participating in curriculum-related off-campus professional internship experiences. Before enrolling, students must have an employment offer from a company or organization and approval from their advisor. Subject to departmental approval. Upon completion of the activity the student must submit a write-up of the experience, approved by the MIT advisor. Consult the MAS Office for details on procedures and restrictions.

MAS Staff

MAS.921 Proseminar in Media Arts and Sciences

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall)
3-0-9 units

Designed specifically for new doctoral students in the Media Arts and Sciences (MAS) program. Explores intellectual foundations of MAS, unifying themes connecting MAS research, and working practices of MAS researchers. Restricted to MAS doctoral students.

J. Paradiso

MAS.940 Preparation for SM Thesis I

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Spring)
1-0-2 units

For first-year master's students in the MAS program. Features faculty-led discussions on best practices for conducting and evaluating research in diverse disciplines, ways of assessing the consequences of new technologies, and strategies for mitigating unintended outcomes. Working in small groups, students share and critique research ideas to catalyze and refine projects and collaborations. By the end of the course, students will have identified potential committee members to help guide their thesis research.

K. Esvelt

MAS.941 Preparation for SM Thesis II

Prereq: MAS.940 or permission of instructor
G (Fall)
3-0-6 units

Guides students in the selection of thesis topic, definition of method of approach, and preparation for Crit Day and thesis proposal.

K. Esvelt

MAS.945 Media Arts and Sciences General Exam

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer)
0-12-0 units
Can be repeated for credit.

Required subject for Media Arts and Sciences doctoral students working on the general exam, from preparation of the proposal through completion of the oral and written components of the exam.

Staff

MAS.950 Preparation for Ph.D. Thesis

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer)
Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit.

Selects thesis subject, defines method of approach, and prepares preliminary thesis outline. Independent study, supplemented by frequent individual conferences with staff members. Restricted to doctoral candidates.

Staff

MAS.S10 Special Subject in Media Technology

Prereq: Permission of instructor
U (Fall, Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department
Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit.