Department of Biological Engineering

The mission of the Department of Biological Engineering (BE) is to educate next-generation leaders and to generate and translate new knowledge in a new bioscience-based engineering discipline fusing engineering analysis and synthesis approaches with modern molecular-to-genomic biology. Combining quantitative, physical, and integrative principles with advances in mechanistic molecular and cellular bioscience, biological engineering increases understanding of how biological systems function as both physical and chemical mechanisms; how they respond when perturbed by factors such as medical therapeutics, environmental agents, and genetic variation; and how to manipulate and construct them toward beneficial use. Through this understanding, new technologies can be created to improve human health in a variety of medical applications, and biology-based paradigms can be generated to address many of the diverse challenges facing society across a broad spectrum, including energy, the environment, nutrition, and manufacturing.

The department's premise is that the science of biology is as important to the development of technology and society in the 21st century as physics and chemistry were in the 20th century, and that an increasing ability to measure, model, and manipulate properties of biological systems at the molecular, cellular, and multicellular levels will continue to shape this development. A new generation of engineers and scientists is learning to address problems through their ability to measure, model, and rationally manipulate the technological and environmental factors affecting biological systems. They are applying not only engineering principles to the analytical understanding of how biological systems operate, especially when impacted by genetic, chemical, physical, infectious, or other interventions; but also a synthetic design perspective to creating biology-based technologies for medical diagnostics, therapeutics, and prosthetics, as well as for applications in diverse industries beyond human health care. 

 

Undergraduate Study

Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering (Course 20)

The Department of Biological Engineering (BE) offers an undergraduate curriculum emphasizing quantitative, engineering-based analysis, design, and synthesis in the study of modern biology from the molecular to the systems level. Completion of the curriculum leads to the Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering and prepares students for careers in diverse fields ranging from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries to materials, devices, ecology, and public health. Graduates of the program will be prepared to enter positions in basic research or project-oriented product development, as well as graduate school or further professional study.

The required core curriculum includes a strong foundation in biological and biochemical sciences, which are integrated with quantitative analysis and engineering principles throughout the entire core. Students who wish to pursue the Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering are encouraged to complete the Biology General Institute Requirement during their first year and may delay completion of Physics II until the fall term of sophomore year if necessary. The optional subject Introduction to Biological Engineering Design, offered during the spring term of the first year, provides a framework for understanding the Biological Engineering SB program.

Students are encouraged to take the sophomore fall-term subject 20.110[J] Thermodynamics of Biomolecular Systems. This subject also fulfills an SB degree requirement in Biology. Students are also encouraged to take Organic Chemistry I and Differential Equations during their sophomore year in order to prepare for the introductory biological engineering laboratory subject that provides context for the lecture subjects and a strong foundation for subsequent undergraduate research in biological engineering through Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program projects or summer internships.

The advanced subjects required in the junior and senior years introduce additional engineering skills through lecture and laboratory subjects and culminate in a senior design project. These advanced subjects maintain the theme of molecular to systems–level analysis, design, and synthesis based on a strong integration with biology fundamentals. They also include a variety of restricted electives that allow students to develop expertise in one of six thematic areas: systems biology, synthetic biology, biophysics, pharmacology/toxicology, cell and tissue engineering, and microbial systems. Many of these advanced subjects are jointly taught with other departments in the School of Engineering or School of Science and may fulfill degree requirements in other programs.

Minor in Biomedical Engineering

An interdepartmental Minor in Biomedical Engineering is available to all undergraduate students outside the BE (Course 20) major, described in detail under Interdisciplinary Programs.

Inquiries

For further information on the undergraduate programs, see the Biological Engineering website or contact the BE Academic Office, Room 16-267, 617-452-2465.

Graduate Study

Graduate students in the Department of Biological Engineering can carry out their research as part of a number of multi-investigator, multidisciplinary research centers at MIT, including the Center for Biomedical Engineering, the Center for Environmental Health Sciences, the Division of Comparative Medicine, and the Synthetic Biology Engineering Research Center. These opportunities include collaboration with faculty in the Schools of Engineering and Science, the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, and the Broad Institute, along with the Harvard University School of Medicine, Harvard University School of Dental Medicine, Harvard School of Public Health, and Boston University School of Medicine.

Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering

The Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering (MEBE) program is a five-year program leading to a bachelor's degree in a science or engineering discipline along with a Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering. The program emphasizes the fusion of engineering with modern molecular-to-genomic biology, as in our SB and PhD degree programs. Admission to the MEBE program is open only to MIT undergraduate students, and requires candidates to demonstrate adequate quantitative and engineering credentials through their undergraduate coursework.

In addition to satisfying the requirements of their departmental program, candidates also are expected to complete the following:

18.03Differential Equations12
5.12Organic Chemistry I12
5.07[J]Introduction to Biological Chemistry12
or 7.05 General Biochemistry
Select one of the following:12
Thermal-Fluids Engineering I
Electrical Circuits: Modeling and Design of Physical Systems
Select two of the following:24
Probability and Causal Inference
Numerical Computation for Mechanical Engineers
Introduction to Probability
Introduction to Probability and Statistics

Applications to the MEBE program are accepted from students in any of the departments in the School of Engineering or School of Science. Students interested in applying to the MEBE program should submit a standard MIT graduate application by the end of their junior year; they are informed of the decision by the end of that summer.

Additional information on application procedures, objectives, and program requirements can be obtained by contacting the BE Academic Office, Room 16-127.

Program Requirements

In addition to thesis credits, at least 66 units of coursework are required. At least 42 of these subject units must be from graduate subjects. The remaining units may be satisfied, in some cases, with advanced undergraduate subjects that are not requirements in MIT's undergraduate curriculum. Of the 66 units, a minimum distribution in each of three categories is specified below.

Bioengineering Core
Select two of the following:24
Molecular, Cellular, and Tissue Biomechanics
Principles of Molecular Bioengineering
Fields, Forces, and Flows in Biological Systems
Biomedical Engineering Electives
Select 24 units from a selection of graduate subjects from various departments in the School of Engineering, including HST. 124
Bioscience Elective
Select one biological science subject in addition to organic chemistry and biochemistry. This must be a laboratory subject if one was not taken as part of the student’s undergraduate curriculum18
Total Units66
1

A list of suggested subjects is available from the BE Academic Office, Room 16-267. 

Thesis

The student is required to complete a thesis that must be approved by the program director. The thesis is an original work of research, design, or development. If the supervisor is not a member of the Department of Biological Engineering, a reader who belongs to the BE faculty must also approve and sign the thesis. The student submits a thesis proposal by the end of the fourth year.

Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Science in Biological Engineering

The Department of Biological Engineering offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Science (ScD) in Biological Engineering; the program is the same for both degrees. The Biological Engineering doctoral program educates students to use engineering principles in the analysis and manipulation of biological systems, allowing them to solve problems across a spectrum of important applications. The curriculum is inherently interdisciplinary in that it brings together engineering and biology as fundamentally as possible and cuts across the boundaries of the traditional engineering disciplines.

The student selects a research advisor, typically by the start of the spring term in the first year, and begins research before the end of that year. The oral doctoral qualifying examination, which focuses on the student's area of research, is taken prior to December 1 of the third year. A total of approximately five years in residence is needed to complete the doctoral thesis and other degree requirements. Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded either the PhD or ScD in Biological Engineering.

Students admitted to the Biological Engineering doctoral program typically have a bachelor's or master's degree in science or engineering. Foundational coursework in biochemistry and molecular cell biology is required prior to admission to the graduate program. During their first year, students pursue a unified core curriculum in which engineering approaches are used to analyze biological systems and technologies over a wide range of length and time scales. The subjects in the unified core bring central engineering principles to bear on the operation of biological systems from molecular to cell to tissue/organ/device systems levels. These are then supplemented by graduate-level electives in the biological sciences and engineering to enhance breadth and depth.

Faculty members associated with the program possess a wide range of research interests. Areas in which students may specialize include systems and synthetic biology; biological and physiological transport phenomena; biological imaging and functional measurement; biomolecular engineering; cell and tissue engineering; computational modeling of biological and physiological systems; bioinformatics; design, discovery, and delivery of molecular therapeutics; molecular, cell, and tissue biomechanics; development of in vitro models of the immune system and lymphoid tissue; development of molecular methods for direct measurement of mutations in humans; metabolism of foreign compounds; genetic toxicology; the molecular aspects and dosimetry of interactions between mutagens and carcinogens with nucleic acids and proteins; molecular mechanisms of DNA damage and repair; design and mechanisms of action of chemotherapeutic agents; environmental carcinogenesis and epidemiology; molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis; cell physiology; extracellular regulation and signal transduction; molecular and pathologic interactions between infectious microbial agents and carcinogens; and new tools for genomics, proteomics, and glycomics.

Interdisciplinary Programs

Leaders for Global Operations

The 24-month Leaders for Global Operations (LGO) program combines graduate degrees in engineering and management for those with previous postgraduate work experience and strong undergraduate degrees in a technical field. During the two-year program, students complete a six-month internship at one of LGO's partner companies, where they conduct research that forms the basis of a dual-degree thesis. Students finish the program with two MIT degrees: an MBA (or SM in management) and an SM from one of eight engineering programs, some of which have optional or required LGO tracks. After graduation, alumni lead strategic initiatives in high-tech, operations, and manufacturing companies.

Polymers and Soft Matter

The Program in Polymers and Soft Matter (PPSM) offers students from participating departments an interdisciplinary core curriculum in polymer science and engineering, exposure to the broader polymer community through seminars, contact with visitors from industry and academia, and interdepartmental collaboration while working towards a PhD or ScD degree.

Research opportunities include functional polymers, controlled drug delivery, nanostructured polymers, polymers at interfaces, biomaterials, molecular modeling, polymer synthesis, biomimetic materials, polymer mechanics and rheology, self-assembly, and polymers in energy. The program is described in more detail under Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs.

Inquiries

For further information on the graduate programs, see the Biological Engineering website or contact the BE Academic Office, Room 16-267, 617-253-1712.

Faculty and Teaching Staff

Christopher A. Voigt, PhD

Wang Professor

Professor of Biological Engineering

Head, Department of Biological Engineering

Scott R. Manalis, PhD

David H. Koch Professor in Engineering

Professor of Biological Engineering

Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Associate Head, Department of Biological Engineering

Katharina Ribbeck, PhD

Andrew (1956) and Erna Viterbi Professor

Professor of Biological Engineering

Associate Head, Department of Biological Engineering

(On leave, fall)

Professors

Eric J. Alm, PhD

Professor of Biological Engineering

Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Mark Bathe, PhD

Professor of Biological Engineering

Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Angela M. Belcher, PhD

James Mason Crafts Professor

Professor of Biological Engineering

Professor of Materials Science and Engineering

Paul C. Blainey, PhD

Professor of Biological Engineering

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

Laurie Boyer, PhD

Professor of Biology

Professor of Biological Engineering

Cullen R. Buie, PhD

Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Professor of Biological Engineering

Faculty Community Excellence Chair, Department of Mechanical Engineering

James J. Collins, PhD

Termeer Professor of Medical Engineering and Science

Professor of Biological Engineering

Core Faculty, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science

Peter C. Dedon, MD, PhD

Underwood-Prescott Professor

Professor of Toxicology and Biological Engineering

Domitilla Del Vecchio, PhD

Grover M. Hermann Professor in Health Sciences and Technology

Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Professor of Biological Engineering

Bevin P. Engelward, DSc

Professor of Biological Engineering

John M. Essigmann, PhD

Professor Post-Tenure of Toxicology and Biological Engineering

Professor Post-Tenure of Chemistry

James G. Fox, DVM

Professor Post-Tenure of Biological Engineering

Ernest Fraenkel, PhD

Grover M. Hermann Professor

Professor of Biological Engineering

Mary Gehring, PhD

Professor of Biology

Professor of Biological Engineering

David K. Gifford, PhD

Professor Post-Tenure of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Professor Post-Tenure of Biological Engineering

Linda G. Griffith, PhD

School of Engineering Professor of Teaching Innovation

Professor of Biological Engineering

Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Jongyoon Han, PhD

Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Professor of Biological Engineering

(On leave, spring)

Alan P. Jasanoff, PhD

Eugene McDermott Professor in Brain Sciences and Human Behavior

Professor of Biological Engineering

Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences

Roger Dale Kamm, PhD

Cecil H. Green Distinguished Professor Post-Tenure

Professor Post-Tenure of Mechanical Engineering

Professor Post-Tenure of Biological Engineering

Amy E. Keating, PhD

Jay A. Stein (1968) Professor

Professor of Biology

Professor of Biological Engineering

Head, Department of Biology

Angela N. Koehler, PhD

Charles W. and Jennifer C. Johnson Professor

Professor of Biological Engineering

Robert Langer, ScD

David H. Koch (1962) Institute Professor

Professor of Chemical Engineering

Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Professor of Biological Engineering

Affiliate Faculty, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science

Douglas A. Lauffenburger, PhD

Ford Foundation Professor

Professor of Biological Engineering

Professor of Chemical Engineering

Professor of Biology

Harvey F. Lodish, PhD

Professor of Biology

Professor of Biological Engineering

Jacquin Niles, MD, PhD

Whitaker Professor

Professor of Biological Engineering

Ram Sasisekharan, PhD

Alfred H. Caspary Professor

Professor of Biological Engineering

Peter T. C. So, PhD

Professor of Biological Engineering

Professor of Mechanical Engineering

(On leave)

Bruce Tidor, PhD

Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Professor of Biological Engineering

Ron Weiss, PhD

Professor of Biological Engineering

Forest M. White, PhD

Ned C. and Janet Bemis Rice Professor

Professor of Biological Engineering

Karl Dane Wittrup, PhD

Carbon P. Dubbs Professor of Chemical Engineering

Professor of Biological Engineering

Michael B. Yaffe, MD, PhD

David H. Koch Professor in Science

Professor of Biology

Professor of Biological Engineering

Feng Zhang, PhD

James and Patricia Poitras (1963) Professor of Neuroscience

Professor of Biological Engineering

Associate Professors

Michael Birnbaum, PhD

Associate Professor of Biological Engineering

Bryan Bryson, PhD

Associate Professor of Biological Engineering

Anders Hansen, PhD

Class of 1943 Career Development Professor

Associate Professor of Biological Engineering

Kelly Ann Metcalf Pate, DVM, PhD

Dorothy W. Poitras Associate Professor of Biological Engineering

Assistant Professors

Zhiliang Bai, PhD

Assistant Professor of Biological Engineering

Jessica Stark, PhD

Underwood-Prescott Career Development Professor

Assistant Professor of Biological Engineering

Eric Sun, PhD

Assistant Professor of Biological Engineering

Senior Lecturers

Prerna Bhargava, PhD

Senior Lecturer of Biological Engineering

Maxine Jonas, PhD

Senior Lecturer of Biological Engineering

Noreen L. Lyell, PhD

Senior Lecturer of Biological Engineering

Steven Wasserman, MS

Senior Lecturer of Biological Engineering

Lecturers

Frederick Brooks III, BA

Lecturer of Biological Engineering

Justin Buck, PhD

Principal Lecturer of Biological Engineering

Rebecca Meyer, PhD

Principal Lecturer of Biological Engineering

Technical Instructors

Matthew Feng, MEng

Technical Instructor of Biological Engineering

Research Staff

Principal Research Scientists

Michal Caspi Tal, PhD

Principal Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Research Scientists

Moustafa Ragab Khalil Ali, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Jonathan Babb, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Fabio Caliendo, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Katherine Kiwimagi Chen, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Catherine Communal, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Robert G. Croy, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Michael S. DeMott, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Jean Disset, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Aneesh Donde, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Lisl Y. Esherick, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Bogdan Fedeles, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Michele Gabriele, MS

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Elena V. Gostjeva, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Nina Gubina, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Nimrod Heldman, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Leah S. Imlay, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Brian Alan Joughin, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Katarzyna Kaczmarek Michaels, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Kyle Jarrod McLean, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Shu-Wing Ng, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Khan Tanjid Osman, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Beth Pollack, MS

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Lee J. Pribyl, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Jifa Qi, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Rahul Raman, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Priyatanu Roy, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Vandana Singh, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Olga Sokolovskaya, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Gregory Damien Thiabaud, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Bradley S. Turner, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Zhengpeng Wan, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Kelsey Morgan Wheeler, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Yu-Xin Xu, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Qiguo Yu, PhD

Research Scientist of Biological Engineering

Professors Emeriti

C. Forbes Dewey Jr, PhD

Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering

Professor Emeritus of Biological Engineering

Alan J. Grodzinsky, ScD

Professor Emeritus of Biological Engineering

Professor Emeritus of Electrical Engineering

Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering

Leona D. Hunter, PhD

Uncas (1923) and Helen Whitaker Professor Emerita

Professor Emerita of Biological Engineering

Professor Emerita of Biology

Alexander M. Klibanov, PhD

Novartis Professor Emeritus

Professor Emeritus of Chemistry

Professor Emeritus of Bioengineering

Steven R. Tannenbaum, PhD

Underwood-Prescott Professor Emeritus

Professor Emeritus of Toxicology and Biological Engineering

Professor Emeritus of Chemistry

20.001 Introduction to Professional Success and Leadership in Biological Engineering

Prereq: None
U (Fall)
1-0-2 units

Interactive introduction to the discipline of Biological Engineering through presentations by alumni practitioners, with additional panels and discussions on skills for professional development. Presentations emphasize the roles of communication through writing and speaking, building and maintaining professional networks, and interpersonal and leadership skills in building successful careers. Provides practical advice about how to prepare for job searches and graduate or professional school applications from an informed viewpoint. Prepares students for UROPs, internships, and selection of BE electives. Subject can count toward the 6-unit discovery-focused credit limit for first-year students.  

L. Griffith

20.002 Introduction to Concepts in Biological Engineering

Prereq: None
U (Spring)
1-0-2 units

Introduction to scientific advances in the field of biological engineering. Topics covered include drug discovery and delivery, applications of genetic engineering, creation and uses of biomaterials, and development of biological technology to mitigate human disease and environmental problems. Discusses each selected topic from different angles, highlighting research conducted from the nano- to macro- level to highlight the breadth of biological engineering applications. Students have the opportunity to select a topic of interest and explore that topic in more depth. Subject can count toward the 6-unit discovery-focused credit limit for first-year students. Preference given to first-year students.

B. Meyer

20.005 Ethics for Engineers

Prereq: None
U (Fall, Spring)
2-0-7 units
Credit cannot also be received for 1.082, 2.900, 6.9320, 7.105, 10.01, 16.676

Explores how to be an ethical engineer. Students examine engineering case studies along with foundational ethical readings, and investigate which ethical approaches are best and how to apply them as engineers. Topics include justice, rights, cost-benefit analysis, safety, bias, genetic engineering, climate change, and the promise and peril of AI. Discussion-based. All sections cover the same core ethical frameworks, but some sections have a particular focus for engineering case studies, such as Computer Science or Bioengineering. Students are eligible to take any section of the course, regardless of their registered course number. The subject is taught in separate sections. For 20.005, students additionally undertake an ethical-technical analysis of a BE-related topic of their choosing.

D. Lauffenburger, P. Hansen

20.010 Introduction to Experimentation in BE

Prereq: None
U (Fall)
1-0-2 units

Teaches students to ask research questions and use the steps in the experimental method to test hypotheses. Introduces best practices in basic data analysis and interpretation. Additional topics include exploring experimental failures, unexpected results, and troubleshooting. Goal is to prepare students for undergraduate research opportunities and laboratory-based coursework. This is a discussion-based subject and is dependent on group participation. Preference to first- and second-year students.

N. Lyell

20.020 Introduction to Biological Engineering Design Using Synthetic Biology

Prereq: None
U (Spring)
2-2-2 units

Project-based introduction to the engineering of synthetic biological systems. Throughout the term, students develop projects that are responsive to real-world problems of their choosing, and whose solutions depend on biological technologies. Lectures, discussions, and studio exercises introduce components and control of prokaryotic and eukaryotic behavior; DNA synthesis, standards, and abstraction in biological engineering; and issues of human practice, including biological safety, security, ethics and ownership, sharing, and innovation. Students may have the option to continue projects for participation in the iGEM competition. Preference to first-year students.

J. Buck

20.021 Introductory Synthetic Biology Project Lab (New)

Prereq: None. Coreq: 20.020; or permission of instructor
U (Spring)
1-4-1 units

Project-based introductory laboratory subject in synthetic biology. In the first half of the term, students are provided training in basic biological laboratory skills and modular cloning (MoClo) techniques in microbial hosts. In the second half of the term, students implement their own synthetic biology designs to construct a series of solutions to the specific problem area or theme for the term. Students characterize the performance of the designs and iterate upon the design to improve performance. Students are encouraged to take 20.020 simultaneously. Preference to first-year students.

J. Buck

20.051 Introduction to NEET: Living Machines

Prereq: Biology (GIR), Calculus II (GIR), Chemistry (GIR), and Physics I (GIR)
U (Fall, Spring)
2-2-2 units

Focuses on physiomimetics: transforming therapeutic strategy and development. Overview of development of therapies for complex diseases, including disease mechanisms in heterogeneous patient populations, developing therapeutic strategies, modeling these in vitro, and testing the therapies. Explores the five essential technological contributions to this process: computational systems biology, synthetic biology, immuno-engineering, microphysiological systems devices/tissue engineering, and microfluidic device engineering for in vitro models and analysis. Introduces disease modeling, patient stratification, and drug development processes, includes extensive examples from industry, and provides context for choosing a concentration track in the Living Machines thread. Weekly lectures from experts in the field supplemented with structured, short projects in each topic area. Limited to 24; preference to students in the NEET Living Machines thread.

L. Griffith, M. Salek

20.054 NEET - Living Machines Research Immersion

Prereq: 20.051
U (Fall, Spring)
Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit.

A structured lab research experience in a specific Living Machines track. Students identify a project in a participating research lab, on a topic related to the five tracks in the NEET Living Machines program, propose a project related to the drug development theme, and prepare interim and final presentations and reports while conducting the project. Links to industry-sponsored research projects at MIT are encouraged. Project proposal must be submitted and approved in the term prior to enrollment. Limited to students in the NEET Living Machines thread.

L. Griffith, E. Alm, M. Salek

20.101 Metakaryotic Biology and Epidemiology

Subject meets with 20.A02
Prereq: None
U (Fall)
2-0-4 units

Introduces non-eukaryotic, "metakaryotic" cells with hollow bell-shaped nuclei that serve as the stem cells of human fetal/juvenile growth and development as well as of tumors and atherosclerotic plaques. Studies the relationship of lifetime growth and mutations of metakaryotic stem cells to age-specific death rates. Considers the biological bases of treatment protocols found to kill metakaryotic cancer stem cells in vitro and in human pancreatic cancers in vivo.

W. G. Thilly

20.106[J] Applied Microbiology

Same subject as 1.084[J]
Prereq: Biology (GIR) and Chemistry (GIR)
U (Fall)
3-0-9 units

Introductory microbiology from a systems perspective - considers microbial diversity and the integration of data from a molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological context to understand the interaction of microbial organisms with their environment. Special emphasis on specific viral, bacterial, and eukaryotic microorganisms and their interaction with animal hosts with focus on contemporary problems in areas such as vaccination, emerging disease, antimicrobial drug resistance, and toxicology.

J. C. Niles, K. Ribbeck

20.109 Laboratory Fundamentals in Biological Engineering

Prereq: Biology (GIR), Chemistry (GIR), 6.100B, 18.03, and 20.110[J]
U (Fall, Spring)
2-8-5 units. Institute LAB

Introduces experimental biochemical and molecular techniques from a quantitative engineering perspective. Experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication form the underpinnings of this subject. In this, students complete discovery-based experimental modules drawn from current technologies and active research projects of BE faculty. Generally, topics include DNA engineering, in which students design, construct, and use genetic material; parts engineering, emphasizing protein design and quantitative assessment of protein performance; systems engineering, which considers genome-wide consequences of genetic perturbations; and biomaterials engineering, in which students use biologically-encoded devices to design and build materials. Enrollment limited; priority to Course 20 majors.

N. Lyell, A. Koehler, B. Engelward, L. McClain, B. Meyer, S. Clarke, P. Bhargava

20.110[J] Thermodynamics of Biomolecular Systems

Same subject as 2.772[J]
Prereq: (Biology (GIR), Calculus II (GIR), Chemistry (GIR), and Physics I (GIR)) or permission of instructor
U (Fall)
5-0-7 units. REST

Equilibrium properties of macroscopic and microscopic systems. Basic thermodynamics: state of a system, state variables. Work, heat, first law of thermodynamics, thermochemistry. Second and third law of thermodynamics: entropy and its statistical basis, Gibbs function. Chemical equilibrium of reactions in gas and solution phase. Macromolecular structure and interactions in solution. Driving forces for molecular self-assembly. Binding cooperativity, solvation, titration of macromolecules.

M. Birnbaum, C. Voigt

20.129[J] Biological Circuit Engineering Laboratory

Same subject as 6.4880J
Prereq: Biology (GIR) and Calculus II (GIR)
U (Spring)
2-8-2 units. Institute LAB

Students assemble individual genes and regulatory elements into larger-scale circuits; they experimentally characterize these circuits in yeast cells using quantitative techniques, including flow cytometry, and model their results computationally. Emphasizes concepts and techniques to perform independent experimental and computational synthetic biology research. Discusses current literature and ongoing research in the field of synthetic biology. Instruction and practice in oral and written communication provided. Enrollment limited.

T. Lu, R. Weiss

20.200 Biological Engineering Seminar

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall, Spring)
1-0-2 units
Can be repeated for credit.

Weekly one-hour seminars covering graduate student research and presentations by invited speakers.

B. Engelward

20.201 Fundamentals of Drug Development

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall, Spring)
4-0-8 units

Team-based exploration of the scientific basis for developing new drugs. First portion of term covers fundamentals of target identification, drug discovery, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, regulatory policy, and intellectual property. Industry experts and academic entrepreneurs then present case studies of specific drugs, drug classes, and therapeutic targets. In a term-long project, student teams develop novel therapeutics to solve major unmet medical needs, with a trajectory to a "start-up" company. Culminates with team presentations to a panel of industry and scientific leaders.

P. C. Dedon, R. Sasisekharan

20.203[J] Neurotechnology in Action

Same subject as 9.123[J]
Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Spring)
3-6-3 units

See description under subject 9.123[J].

A. Jasanoff

20.205[J] Principles and Applications of Genetic Engineering for Biotechnology and Neuroscience

Same subject as 9.26[J]
Prereq: Biology (GIR)
U (Spring)
3-0-9 units

See description under subject 9.26[J].

F. Zhang

20.213 Genome Stability and Engineering in the Context of Diseases, Drugs, and Public Health

Prereq: 5.07[J], 7.05, or permission of instructor
U (Spring; second half of term)
2-0-4 units

Examines the chemistry and biological consequences of DNA damaging agents present endogenously and in our air, food, and water. In addition, discusses DNA damaging agents that are used as chemotherapeutics. Explores the underlying molecular processes of DNA repair pathways and their roles in cancer, neurological disorders, aging, CRISPR gene editing, and antibody diversification. Investigates how heritable differences in DNA repair capacity, in combination with environmental exposures, impact genome instability and downstream diseases. Emphasis is placed on how these processes relate to environmental justice and public health.

B. P. Engelward

20.215 Macroepidemiology, Population Genetics, and Stem Cell Biology of Human Clonal Diseases

Prereq: Calculus II (GIR) and 1.00
G (Fall)
3-0-15 units

Studies the logic and technology needed to discover genetic and environmental risks for common human cancers and vascular diseases. Includes an introduction to metakaryotic stem cell biology. Analyzes large, organized historical public health databases using quantitative cascade computer models that include population stratification of stem cell mutation rates in fetal/juvenile tissues and growth rates in preneoplastic colonies and atherosclerotic plaques. Means to test hypotheses (CAST) that certain genes carry mutations conferring risk for common cancers via genetic analyses in large human cohorts. Involves de novo computer modeling of a lifetime disease experience or test of a student-developed hypothesis.

W. G. Thilly

20.219 Selected Topics in Biological Engineering

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall, Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department

Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit.

Detailed discussion of selected topics of current interest. Classwork in various areas not covered by regular subjects.

Staff

20.230[J] Immunology

Same subject as 7.23[J]
Subject meets with 7.63[J], 20.630[J]

Prereq: 7.06
Acad Year 2025-2026: Not offered
Acad Year 2026-2027: U (Spring)

5-0-7 units

See description under subject 7.23[J].

S. Spranger, M. Birnbaum

20.260 Computational Analysis of Biological Data

Subject meets with 20.460
Prereq: 6.100A or permission of instructor
U (Spring)
3-0-6 units

Presents foundational methods for analysis of complex biological datasets. Covers fundamental concepts in probability, statistics, and linear algebra underlying computational tools that enable generation of biological insights. Assignments focus on practical examples spanning basic science and medical applications. Assumes basic knowledge of calculus and programming (experience with MATLAB, Python, or R is recommended). Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

D. Lauffenburger, F. White

20.265 Genetics for Biological Engineering

Prereq: 6.100A or permission of instructor
U (Spring; second half of term)
Not offered regularly; consult department

3-0-3 units

Covers topics in genetics from an engineering perspective. Designed to be taken before, concurrently with, or after a traditional genetics class. Focuses primarily on the quantitative methods and algorithms used in genetics and genomics. Provides a strong foundation in genomics and bioinformatics and prepares students, through real-world problem-solving, for upper-level classes in those topics. Basics of modern genomics tools and approaches -- including RNAseq, high-throughout genome sequencing, genome-wide association studies, metagenomics, and others -- presented. Requires some experience with Python programming.

E. Alm

20.305[J] Principles of Synthetic Biology

Same subject as 6.8721J
Subject meets with 6.8720J, 20.405[J]

Prereq: None
U (Fall)
3-0-9 units

Introduces the basics of synthetic biology, including quantitative cellular network characterization and modeling. Considers the discovery and genetic factoring of useful cellular activities into reusable functions for design. Emphasizes the principles of biomolecular system design and diagnosis of designed systems. Illustrates cutting-edge applications in synthetic biology and enhances skills in analysis and design of synthetic biological applications. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

R. Weiss

20.309[J] Instrumentation and Measurement for Biological Systems

Same subject as 2.673[J]
Subject meets with 20.409

Prereq: (Biology (GIR), Physics II (GIR), 6.100B, and 18.03) or permission of instructor
U (Fall, Spring)
3-6-3 units

Explores the intricate relationship between measuring, manipulating, and modeling biological systems. Lectures cover the application of engineering techniques — such as statistics, signal processing, system identification, and control theory — to biological systems. Lab sessions focus on optical methods and electronics. Fundamental topics include measurement error and the limits of precision and accuracy. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Enrollment limited; preference to Course 20 undergraduates.

M. Jonas, S. Wasserman

20.310[J] Molecular, Cellular, and Tissue Biomechanics

Same subject as 2.797[J], 3.053[J], 6.4840J
Subject meets with 2.798[J], 3.971[J], 6.4842J, 10.537[J], 20.410[J]

Prereq: Biology (GIR) and 18.03
U (Spring)
4-0-8 units

Develops and applies scaling laws and the methods of continuum mechanics to biomechanical phenomena over a range of length scales. Topics include structure of tissues and the molecular basis for macroscopic properties; chemical and electrical effects on mechanical behavior; cell mechanics, motility and adhesion; biomembranes; biomolecular mechanics and molecular motors. Experimental methods for probing structures at the tissue, cellular, and molecular levels. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

M. Bathe, K. Ribbeck, P. T. So

20.315 Physical Biology

Subject meets with 20.415
Prereq: 5.60, 20.110[J], or permission of instructor
U (Fall, Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department

3-0-9 units
Credit cannot also be received for 8.241

Focuses on current major research topics in quantitative, physical biology. Covers synthetic structural biology, synthetic cell biology, microbial systems biology and evolution, cellular decision making, neuronal circuits, and development and morphogenesis. Emphasizes current motivation and historical background, state-of-the-art measurement methodologies and techniques, and quantitative physical modeling frameworks. Experimental techniques include structural biology, next-generation sequencing, fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy, and quantitative biochemistry. Modeling approaches include stochastic rate equations, statistical thermodynamics, and statistical inference. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. 20.315 and 20.415 meet with 8.241 when offered concurrently.

J. Gore, I. Cisse

20.320 Analysis of Biomolecular and Cellular Systems

Prereq: 6.100B, 18.03, and 20.110[J]; Coreq: 5.07[J] or 7.05
U (Fall)
4-0-8 units

Analysis of molecular and cellular processes across a hierarchy of scales, including genetic, molecular, cellular, and cell population levels. Topics include gene sequence analysis, molecular modeling, metabolic and gene regulation networks, signal transduction pathways and cell populations in tissues. Emphasis on experimental methods, quantitative analysis, and computational modeling.

F. White, K. D. Wittrup

20.330[J] Fields, Forces and Flows in Biological Systems

Same subject as 2.793[J], 6.4830J
Prereq: Biology (GIR), Physics II (GIR), and 18.03
U (Spring)
4-0-8 units

Introduction to electric fields, fluid flows, transport phenomena and their application to biological systems. Flux and continuity laws, Maxwell's equations, electro-quasistatics, electro-chemical-mechanical driving forces, conservation of mass and momentum, Navier-Stokes flows, and electrokinetics. Applications include biomolecular transport in tissues, electrophoresis, and microfluidics.

J. Han, S. Manalis

20.335[J] Multiphysics Systems Modeling (New)

Same subject as 6.4850J
Subject meets with 6.4852J, 20.435[J]

Prereq: 2.005, 6.2210, 20.330[J], or permission of instructor
U (Fall)
3-0-9 units

See description under subject 6.4850J.

J. Han

20.345 Bioinstrumentation Project Lab

Prereq: 20.309[J], (Biology (GIR) and (2.004 or 6.3000)), or permission of instructor
U (Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department

2-7-3 units

In-depth examination of instrumentation design, principles and techniques for studying biological systems, from single molecules to entire organisms. Lectures cover optics, advanced microscopy techniques, electronics for biological measurement, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, MEMs, microfluidic devices, and limits of detection. Students select two lab exercises during the first half of the semester and complete a final design project in the second half. Lab emphasizes design process and skillful realization of a robust system. Enrollment limited; preference to Course 20 majors and minors.

E. Boyden, M. Jonas, P. So, S. Wasserman

20.352 Principles of Neuroengineering

Subject meets with 9.422[J], 20.452[J], MAS.881[J]
Prereq: Permission of instructor
U (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. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Designed for students with engineering maturity who are ready for design.

E. S. Boyden, III

20.361[J] Molecular and Engineering Aspects of Biotechnology

Same subject as 7.37[J], 10.441[J]
Prereq: (7.06 and (2.005, 20.110[J], 3.012, or 5.60)) or permission of instructor
U (Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department

4-0-8 units

See description under subject 7.37[J].

Staff

20.363[J] Biomaterials Science and Engineering

Same subject as 3.055[J]
Subject meets with 3.963[J], 20.463[J]

Prereq: 20.110[J] or permission of instructor
U (Fall)
Not offered regularly; consult department

3-0-9 units

Covers, at a molecular scale, the analysis and design of materials used in contact with biological systems, and biomimetic strategies aimed at creating new materials based on principles found in biology. Topics include molecular interaction between bio- and synthetic molecules and surfaces; design, synthesis, and processing approaches for materials that control cell functions; and application of materials science to problems in tissue engineering, drug delivery, vaccines, and cell-guiding surfaces. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

D. Irvine, K. Ribbeck

20.365 Engineering the Immune System in Cancer and Beyond

Subject meets with 20.465
Prereq: (5.60 or 20.110[J]) and permission of instructor
U (Spring)
3-0-6 units

Examines strategies in clinical and preclinical development for manipulating the immune system to treat and protect against disease. Begins with brief review of immune system. Discusses interaction of tumors with the immune system, followed by approaches by which the immune system can be modulated to attack cancer. Also covers strategies based in biotechnology, chemistry, materials science, and molecular biology to induce immune responses to treat infection, transplantation, and autoimmunity. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

D. Irvine

20.370[J] Cellular Neurophysiology and Computing

Same subject as 2.791[J], 6.4810J, 9.21[J]
Subject meets with 2.794[J], 6.4812J, 9.021[J], 20.470[J], HST.541[J]

Prereq: (Physics II (GIR), 18.03, and (2.005, 6.2000, 6.3000, 10.301, or 20.110[J])) or permission of instructor
U (Spring)
5-2-5 units

See description under subject 6.4810J. Preference to juniors and seniors.

J. Han, T. Heldt

20.371[J] Biological and Engineering Principles Underlying Novel Biotherapeutics

Same subject as 7.371[J]
Prereq: 7.06
U (Fall)
4-0-8 units

See description under subject 7.371[J].

J. Chen, H. Lodish

20.373 Foundations of Cell Therapy Manufacturing

Subject meets with 20.473
Prereq: None
U (Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department

3-0-6 units

Seminar examines cell therapy manufacturing, the ex vivo production of human cells to be delivered to humans as a product for medical benefit. Includes a review of cell biology and immunology. Addresses topics such as governmental regulations applying to cell therapy production; the manufacture of cell-based therapeutics, including cell culture unit operations, genetic engineering or editing of cells; process engineering of cell therapy products; and the analytics of cell therapy manufacturing processes. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

K. Van Vliet

20.375 Applied Developmental Biology and Tissue Engineering

Subject meets with 20.475
Prereq: (7.06, 20.320, and (7.003[J] or 20.109)) or permission of instructor
U (Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department

3-0-9 units

Addresses the integration of engineering and biology design principles to create human tissues and organs for regenerative medicine to drug development. Provides an overview of embryogenesis, how morphogenic phenomena are governed by biochemical and biophysical cues. Analyzes <em>in vitro</em> generation of human brain, gut, and other organoids from stem cells. Studies the roles of biomaterials and microreactors in improving organoid formation and function; organoid use in modeling disease and physiology <em>in vitro</em>; and engineering and biological principles of reconstructing tissues and organs from postnatal donor cells using biomaterials scaffolds and bioreactors. Includes select applications, such as liver disease, brain disorders, and others. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

L. Griffith

20.380 Biological Engineering Design

Prereq: 7.06, 20.320, and 20.330[J]
U (Fall, Spring)
5-0-7 units

Illustrates how knowledge and principles of biology, biochemistry, and engineering are integrated to create new products for societal benefit. Uses case study format to examine recently developed products of pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries: how a product evolves from initial idea, through patents, testing, evaluation, production, and marketing. Emphasizes scientific and engineering principles, as well as the responsibility scientists, engineers, and business executives have for the consequences of their technology. Instruction and practice in written and oral communication provided. Enrollment limited; preference to Course 20 undergraduates.

J. Collins, A. Koehler, J. Essigmann, K. Ribbeck

20.381 Biological Engineering Design II

Prereq: 20.380 or permission of instructor
U (Spring)
0-12-0 units

Continuation of 20.380 that focuses on practical implementation of design proposals. Student teams choose a feasible scope of work related to their 20.380 design proposals and execute it in the lab.

M. Jonas, J. Sutton, S. Wasserman

20.385 Design in Synthetic Biology

Prereq: (20.020, 20.109, and 20.320) or permission of instructor
U (Spring)
3-3-3 units

Provides an understanding of the state of research in synthetic biology and development of project management skills. Critical evaluation of primary research literature covering a range of approaches to the design, modeling and programming of cellular behaviors. Focuses on developing the skills needed to read, present and discuss primary research literature, and to manage and lead small teams. Students mentor a small undergraduate team of 20.020 students. Open to advanced students with appropriate background in biology. Students may have the option to continue projects for participation in the iGEM competition.

J. Buck

20.387[J] Computational Biology: Genomes, Networks, Evolution (New)

Same subject as 6.8701J
Subject meets with 6.8700J, 20.488[J], HST.507[J]

Prereq: (Biology (GIR), 6.1210, and 6.3700) or permission of instructor
U (Fall)
3-0-9 units

See description under subject 6.8701J.

E. Alm, M. Kellis

20.390[J] Computational Systems Biology: Deep Learning in the Life Sciences

Same subject as 6.8711J
Subject meets with 6.8710J, 20.490, HST.506[J]

Prereq: (6.100B and 7.05) or permission of instructor
Acad Year 2025-2026: Not offered
Acad Year 2026-2027: U (Spring)

3-0-9 units

See description under subject 6.8711J.

D. K. Gifford

20.405[J] Principles of Synthetic Biology

Same subject as 6.8720J
Subject meets with 6.8721J, 20.305[J]

Prereq: None
G (Fall)
3-0-9 units

Introduces the basics of synthetic biology, including quantitative cellular network characterization and modeling. Considers the discovery and genetic factoring of useful cellular activities into reusable functions for design. Emphasizes the principles of biomolecular system design and diagnosis of designed systems. Illustrates cutting-edge applications in synthetic biology and enhances skills in analysis and design of synthetic biological applications. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

R. Weiss

20.409 Instrumentation and Measurement for Biological Systems

Subject meets with 2.673[J], 20.309[J]
Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall, Spring)
2-7-3 units

Explores the intricate relationship between measuring, manipulating, and modeling biological systems. Lectures cover the application of engineering techniques — such as statistics, signal processing, system identification, and control theory — to biological systems. Lab sessions focus on optical methods and electronics. Fundamental topics include measurement error and the limits of precision and accuracy. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Limited to five graduate students.

A. Hansen, S. Wasserman, M. Jonas

20.410[J] Molecular, Cellular, and Tissue Biomechanics

Same subject as 2.798[J], 3.971[J], 6.4842J, 10.537[J]
Subject meets with 2.797[J], 3.053[J], 6.4840J, 20.310[J]

Prereq: Biology (GIR) and 18.03
G (Spring)
3-0-9 units

Develops and applies scaling laws and the methods of continuum mechanics to biomechanical phenomena over a range of length scales. Topics include structure of tissues and the molecular basis for macroscopic properties; chemical and electrical effects on mechanical behavior; cell mechanics, motility and adhesion; biomembranes; biomolecular mechanics and molecular motors. Experimental methods for probing structures at the tissue, cellular, and molecular levels. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

M. Bathe, K. Ribbeck, P. T. So

20.415 Physical Biology

Subject meets with 20.315
Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department

3-0-9 units
Credit cannot also be received for 8.241

Focuses on current major research topics in quantitative, physical biology. Topics include synthetic structural biology, synthetic cell biology, microbial systems biology and evolution, cellular decision making, neuronal circuits, and development and morphogenesis. Emphasizes current motivation and historical background, state-of-the-art measurement methodologies and techniques, and quantitative physical modeling frameworks. Experimental techniques include structural biology, next-generation sequencing, fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy, and quantitative biochemistry. Modeling approaches include stochastic rate equations, statistical thermodynamics, and statistical inference. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. 20.315 and 20.415 meet with 8.241 when offered concurrently.

J. Gore, I. Cisse

20.416[J] Topics in Biophysics and Physical Biology

Same subject as 7.74[J], 8.590[J]
Prereq: None
Acad Year 2025-2026: Not offered
Acad Year 2026-2027: G (Fall)

2-0-4 units

See description under subject 8.590[J].

J. Gore, N. Fakhri

20.420[J] Principles of Molecular Bioengineering

Same subject as 10.538[J]
Prereq: 7.06 and 18.03
G (Fall)
3-0-9 units

Provides an introduction to the mechanistic analysis and engineering of biomolecules and biomolecular systems. Covers methods for measuring, modeling, and manipulating systems, including biophysical experimental tools, computational modeling approaches, and molecular design. Equips students to take systematic and quantitative approaches to the investigation of a wide variety of biological phenomena.

A. Jasanoff, E. Fraenkel

20.430[J] Fields, Forces, and Flows in Biological Systems

Same subject as 2.795[J], 6.4832J, 10.539[J]
Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall)
3-0-9 units

Molecular diffusion, diffusion-reaction, conduction, convection in biological systems; fields in heterogeneous media; electrical double layers; Maxwell stress tensor, electrical forces in physiological systems. Fluid and solid continua: equations of motion useful for porous, hydrated biological tissues. Case studies of membrane transport, electrode interfaces, electrical, mechanical, and chemical transduction in tissues, convective-diffusion/reaction, electrophoretic, electroosmotic flows in tissues/MEMs, and ECG. Electromechanical and physicochemical interactions in cells and biomaterials; musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and other biological and clinical examples. Prior undergraduate coursework in transport recommended.

M. Bathe, A. J. Grodzinsky

20.435[J] Multiphysics Systems Modeling (New)

Same subject as 6.4852J
Subject meets with 6.4850J, 20.335[J]

Prereq: 2.005, 6.2210, 20.330[J], or permission of instructor
G (Fall)
3-0-9 units

See description under subject 6.4852J.

J. Han

20.440 Analysis of Biological Networks

Prereq: 20.420[J] and permission of instructor
G (Spring)
6-0-9 units

Explores computational and experimental approaches to analyzing complex biological networks and systems. Includes genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and microscopy. Stresses the practical considerations required when designing and performing experiments. Also focuses on selection and implementation of appropriate computational tools for processing, visualizing, and integrating different types of experimental data, including supervised and unsupervised machine learning methods, and multi-omics modelling. Students use statistical methods to test hypotheses and assess the validity of conclusions. In problem sets, students read current literature, develop their skills in Python and R, and interpret quantitative results in a biological manner. In the second half of term, students work in groups to complete a project in which they apply the computational approaches covered.

B. Bryson, P. Blainey

20.445[J] Methods and Problems in Microbiology

Same subject as 1.86[J], 7.492[J]
Prereq: None
G (Fall)
3-0-9 units

See description under subject 7.492[J]. Preference to first-year Microbiology and Biology students.

M. Laub

20.446[J] Microbial Genetics and Evolution

Same subject as 1.87[J], 7.493[J], 12.493[J]
Prereq: 7.03, 7.05, or permission of instructor
G (Fall)
4-0-8 units

See description under subject 7.493[J].

A. D. Grossman, O. Cordero

20.450 Applied Microbiology

Prereq: (20.420[J] and 20.440) or permission of instructor
G (Fall)
4-0-8 units

Compares the complex molecular and cellular interactions in health and disease between commensal microbial communities, pathogens and the human or animal host. Special focus is given to current research on microbe/host interactions, infection of significant importance to public health, and chronic infectious disease. Classwork will include lecture, but emphasize critical evaluation and class discussion of recent scientific papers, and the development of new research agendas in the fields presented.

J. C. Niles, K. Ribbeck

20.452[J] Principles of Neuroengineering

Same subject as 9.422[J], MAS.881[J]
Subject meets with 20.352

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

See description under subject MAS.881[J].

E. S. Boyden, III

20.454[J] Revolutionary Ventures: How to Invent and Deploy Transformative Technologies

Same subject as 9.455[J], 15.128[J], MAS.883[J]
Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall)
2-0-7 units

See description under subject MAS.883[J].

E. Boyden, J. Bonsen, J. Jacobson

20.460 Computational Analysis of Biological Data

Subject meets with 20.260
Prereq: None
G (Spring)
3-0-6 units

Presents foundational methods for analysis of complex biological datasets. Covers fundamental concepts in probability, statistics, and linear algebra underlying computational tools that enable generation of biological insights. Assignments focus on practical examples spanning basic science and medical applications. Assumes basic knowledge of calculus and programming (experience with MATLAB, Python, or R is recommended). Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

D. Lauffenburger, F. White

20.463[J] Biomaterials Science and Engineering

Same subject as 3.963[J]
Subject meets with 3.055[J], 20.363[J]

Prereq: 20.110[J] or permission of instructor
G (Fall)
Not offered regularly; consult department

3-0-9 units

Covers, at a molecular scale, the analysis and design of materials used in contact with biological systems, and biomimetic strategies aimed at creating new materials based on principles found in biology. Topics include molecular interaction between bio- and synthetic molecules and surfaces; design, synthesis, and processing approaches for materials that control cell functions; and application of materials science to problems in tissue engineering, drug delivery, vaccines, and cell-guiding surfaces. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

D. Irvine, K. Ribbeck

20.465 Engineering the Immune System in Cancer and Beyond

Subject meets with 20.365
Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Spring)
3-0-6 units

Examines strategies in clinical and preclinical development for manipulating the immune system to treat and protect against disease. Begins with brief review of immune system. Discusses interaction of tumors with the immune system, followed by approaches by which the immune system can be modulated to attack cancer. Also covers strategies based in biotechnology, chemistry, materials science, and molecular biology to induce immune responses to treat infection, transplantation, and autoimmunity. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

D. Irvine

20.470[J] Cellular Neurophysiology and Computing

Same subject as 2.794[J], 6.4812J, 9.021[J], HST.541[J]
Subject meets with 2.791[J], 6.4810J, 9.21[J], 20.370[J]

Prereq: (Physics II (GIR), 18.03, and (2.005, 6.2000, 6.3000, 10.301, or 20.110[J])) or permission of instructor
G (Spring)
5-2-5 units

See description under subject 6.4812J.

J. Han, T. Heldt

20.473 Foundations of Cell Therapy Manufacturing

Subject meets with 20.373
Prereq: None
G (Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department

3-0-6 units

Seminar examines cell therapy manufacturing, the ex vivo production of human cells to be delivered to humans as a product for medical benefit. Includes a review of cell biology and immunology. Addresses topics such as governmental regulations applying to cell therapy production; the manufacture of cell-based therapeutics, including cell culture unit operations, genetic engineering or editing of cells; process engineering of cell therapy products; and the analytics of cell therapy manufacturing processes. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

K. Van Vliet

20.475 Applied Developmental Biology and Tissue Engineering

Subject meets with 20.375
Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department

3-0-9 units

This subject addresses the integration of engineering and biology design principles to create human tissues and organs for regenerative medicine to drug development. Overview of embryogenesis; how morphogenic phenomena are governed by biochemical and biophysical cues. Analysis of in vitro generation of human brain, gut, and other organoids from stem cells. Roles of biomaterials and microreactors in improving organoid formation and function. Organoid use in modeling disease and physiology in vitro. Engineering and biological principles of reconstructing tissues and organs from postnatal donor cells using biomaterials scaffolds and bioreactors. Select applications such as liver disease, brain disorders, and others. Graduate students will have additional assignments.

L. Griffith

20.486[J] Case Studies and Strategies in Drug Discovery and Development

Same subject as 7.549[J], 15.137[J], HST.916[J]
Prereq: None
G (Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department

2-0-4 units

Aims to develop appreciation for the stages of drug discovery and development, from target identification, to the submission of preclinical and clinical data to regulatory authorities for marketing approval. Following introductory lectures on the process of drug development, students working in small teams analyze how one of four new drugs or drug candidates traversed the discovery/development landscape. For each case, an outside expert from the sponsoring drug company or pivotal clinical trial principal investigator provides guidance and critiques the teams' presentations to the class.

A. W. Wood

20.487[J] Optical Microscopy and Spectroscopy for Biology and Medicine

Same subject as 2.715[J]
Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department

3-0-9 units

See description under subject 2.715[J].

P. T. So, C. Sheppard

20.488[J] Advanced Computational Biology: Genomes, Networks, Evolution (New)

Same subject as 6.8700J, HST.507[J]
Subject meets with 6.8701J, 20.387[J]

Prereq: (Biology (GIR), 6.1210, and 6.3700) or permission of instructor
G (Fall)
4-0-8 units

See description under subject 6.8700J.

E. Alm, M. Kellis

20.490 Computational Systems Biology: Deep Learning in the Life Sciences

Subject meets with 6.8710J, 6.8711J, 20.390[J], HST.506[J]
Prereq: Biology (GIR) and (6.041 or 18.600)
G (Spring)
3-0-9 units

Presents innovative approaches to computational problems in the life sciences, focusing on deep learning-based approaches with comparisons to conventional methods. Topics include protein-DNA interaction, chromatin accessibility, regulatory variant interpretation, medical image understanding, medical record understanding, therapeutic design, and experiment design (the choice and interpretation of interventions). Focuses on machine learning model selection, robustness, and interpretation. Teams complete a multidisciplinary final research project using TensorFlow or other framework. Provides a comprehensive introduction to each life sciences problem, but relies upon students understanding probabilistic problem formulations. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

D. K. Gifford

20.507[J] Introduction to Biological Chemistry

Same subject as 5.07[J]
Prereq: 5.12
U (Fall)
5-0-7 units. REST
Credit cannot also be received for 7.05

See description under subject 5.07[J].

R. Raines, O. Johnson

20.535[J] Protein Engineering

Same subject as 10.535[J]
Prereq: 18.03 and (5.07[J] or 7.05)
Acad Year 2025-2026: G (Spring)
Acad Year 2026-2027: Not offered

3-0-9 units

See description under subject 10.535[J].

K. D. Wittrup

20.554[J] Advances in Chemical Biology

Same subject as 5.54[J], 7.540[J]
Prereq: 5.07[J], 5.13, 7.06, and permission of instructor
G (Fall)
3-0-9 units

See description under subject 5.54[J].

L. Kiessling, O. Johnson

20.560 Statistics for Biological Engineering

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Spring; second half of term)
Not offered regularly; consult department

2-0-2 units

Provides basic tools for analyzing experimental data, interpreting statistical reports in the literature, and reasoning under uncertain situations. Topics include probability theory, statistical tests, data exploration, Bayesian statistics, and machine learning. Emphasizes discussion and hands-on learning. Experience with MATLAB, Python, or R recommended.

S. Olesen

20.561[J] Eukaryotic Cell Biology: Principles and Practice

Same subject as 7.61[J]
Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall)
4-0-8 units

See description under subject 7.61[J]. Enrollment limited.

M. Krieger, M. Yaffe

20.586[J] Science and Business of Biotechnology

Same subject as 7.546[J], 15.480[J]
Prereq: None. Coreq: 15.401; permission of instructor
G (Spring)
3-0-6 units

Covers the new types of drugs and other therapeutics in current practice and under development, the financing and business structures of early-stage biotechnology companies, and the evaluation of their risk/reward profiles. Includes a series of live case studies with industry leaders of both established and emerging biotechnology companies as guest speakers, focusing on the underlying science and engineering as well as core financing and business issues. Students must possess a basic background in cellular and molecular biology.

J. Chen, A. Koehler, A. Lo, H. Lodish

20.630[J] Immunology

Same subject as 7.63[J]
Subject meets with 7.23[J], 20.230[J]

Prereq: 7.06 and permission of instructor
Acad Year 2025-2026: Not offered
Acad Year 2026-2027: G (Spring)

5-0-7 units

See description under subject 7.63[J].

S. Spranger, M. Birnbaum

20.902 Independent Study in Biological Engineering

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

Opportunity for independent study under regular supervision by a faculty member. Projects require prior approval, as well as a substantive paper. Minimum 12 units required.

Staff

20.903 Independent Study in Biological Engineering

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

Opportunity for independent study under regular supervision by a faculty member. Projects require prior approval, as well as a substantive paper. Minimum 6-12 units required.

Staff

20.920 Practical Work Experience

Prereq: None
U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer)
0-1-0 units
Can be repeated for credit.

For Course 20 students participating in off-campus professional experiences in biological engineering. Before registering for this subject, students must have an offer from a company or organization and must identify a BE advisor. Upon completion, student must submit a letter from the company or organization describing the experience, along with a substantive final report from the student approved by the MIT advisor. Subject to departmental approval. Consult departmental undergraduate office.

Staff

20.930[J] Research Experience in Biopharma

Same subject as 7.930[J], CSB.930[J]
Prereq: None
G (Fall)
2-10-0 units

Provides exposure to industrial science and develops skills necessary for success in such an environment. Under the guidance of an industrial mentor, students participate in on-site research at a local biopharmaceutical company where they observe and participate in industrial science. Serves as a real-time case study to internalize the factors that shape R&D in industry, including the purpose and scope of a project, key decision points in the past and future, and strategies for execution. Students utilize company resources and work with a scientific team to contribute to the goals of their assigned project; they then present project results to the company and class, emphasizing the logic that dictated their work and their ideas for future directions. Lecture component focuses on professional development. Enrollment may be limited based on availability of internship opportunities.

C. Burge, B. Engelward

20.945 Practical Experience in Biological Engineering

Prereq: None
G (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer)
Not offered regularly; consult department

0-1-0 units

For Course 20 doctoral students participating in off-campus research, academic experiences, or internships in biological engineering. For internship experiences, an offer of employment from a company or organization is required prior to enrollment; employers must document work accomplished. A written report is required upon completion of a minimum of four weeks of off-campus experience. Proposals must be approved by department.

K. Ribbeck, P. Blainey 

20.950 Research Problems in Biological Engineering

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

Directed research in the fields of bioengineering and environmental health. Limited to BE students.

Staff

20.951 Thesis Proposal

Prereq: Permission of instructor
G (Fall, Spring, Summer)
0-24-0 units

Thesis proposal research and presentation to the thesis committee.

Staff

20.960 Teaching Experience in Biological Engineering

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

For qualified graduate students interested in teaching. Tutorial, laboratory, or classroom teaching under the supervision of a faculty member. Enrollment limited by availability of suitable teaching assignments.

Staff

20.BME Undergraduate Research in Biomedical Engineering

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

Individual research project with biomedical or clinical focus, arranged with appropriate faculty member or approved advisor. Forms and instructions for the proposal and final report are available in the BE Undergraduate Office.

Consult Staff

20.C01[J] Machine Learning for Molecular Engineering

Same subject as 3.C01[J], 10.C01[J]
Subject meets with 3.C51[J], 7.C01, 7.C51, 10.C51[J], 20.C51[J]

Prereq: Calculus II (GIR), 6.100A, and 6.C01
U (Spring)
2-0-4 units

See description under subject 3.C01[J].

R. Gomez-Bombarelli, C. Coley, E. Fraenkel

20.C51[J] Machine Learning for Molecular Engineering

Same subject as 3.C51[J], 10.C51[J]
Subject meets with 3.C01[J], 7.C01, 7.C51, 10.C01[J], 20.C01[J]

Prereq: Calculus II (GIR), 6.100A, and 6.C51
G (Spring)
2-0-4 units

See description under subject 3.C51[J].

R. Gomez-Bombarelli, C. Coley, E. Fraenkel

20.EPE UPOP Engineering Practice Experience

Engineering School-Wide Elective Subject.
Offered under: 1.EPE, 2.EPE, 3.EPE, 6.EPE, 8.EPE, 10.EPE, 15.EPE, 16.EPE, 20.EPE, 22.EPE

Prereq: None
U (Fall, IAP, Spring)
0-0-1 units
Can be repeated for credit.

See description under subject 2.EPE. Application required; consult UPOP website for more information.

K. Tan-Tiongco, D. Fordell

20.EPW UPOP Engineering Practice Workshop

Engineering School-Wide Elective Subject.
Offered under: 1.EPW, 2.EPW, 3.EPW, 6.EPW, 10.EPW, 16.EPW, 20.EPW, 22.EPW

Prereq: 2.EPE
U (Fall, IAP, Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department

1-0-0 units

See description under subject 2.EPW. Enrollment limited to those in the UPOP program.

K. Tan-Tiongco, D. Fordell

20.S900 Special Subject in Biological Engineering

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

Detailed discussion of selected topics of current interest. Classwork in various areas not covered by regular subjects.

Staff

20.S901 Special Subject in Biological Engineering

Prereq: None
U (Fall, Spring)
Not offered regularly; consult department

Units arranged
Can be repeated for credit.

Detailed discussion of selected topics of current interest. Classwork in various areas not covered by regular subjects.

Staff

20.S940 Special Subject in Biological Engineering

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

Detailed discussion of selected topics of current interest. Classwork in various areas not covered by regular subjects.

Staff

20.S947 Special Subject in Biological Engineering

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

Detailed discussion of selected topics of current interest. Classwork in various areas not covered by regular subjects.

Staff

20.S948 Special Subject in Biological Engineering

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

Detailed discussion of selected topics of current interest. Classwork in various areas not covered by regular subjects.

Staff

20.S949 Special Subject in Biological Engineering

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

Detailed discussion of selected topics of current interest. Classwork in various areas not covered by regular subjects.

Staff

20.S952 Special Subject in Biological Engineering

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

Detailed discussion of selected topics of current interest. Classwork in various areas not covered by regular subjects.

Staff

20.THG Graduate Thesis

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

Program of research leading to the writing of an SM or PhD thesis; to be arranged by the student and the MIT faculty advisor.

Staff

20.THU Undergraduate BE Thesis

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

Program of research leading to the writing of an SB thesis; to be arranged by the student under approved supervision.

Staff

20.UR Undergraduate Research Opportunities

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

Laboratory research in the fields of bioengineering or environmental health. May be extended over multiple terms.

S. Manalis

20.URG Undergraduate Research Opportunities

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

Emphasizes direct and active involvement in laboratory research in bioengineering or environmental health. May be extended over multiple terms.

Consult S. Manalis