Introductory Biology (MIT 7.016)
by Barbara Imperiali, Adam Martin, Diviya Ray · MIT OpenCourseWare
Biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics, from gene and protein structure to how molecules build cells and organisms, with a chemical biology slant applied to cancer, virology and therapeutic design. Includes 35 lecture videos plus problem sets and exams with solutions.
More resources on Biology
Be Smart
Science channel from PBS Digital Studios where biologist Joe Hanson answers single questions in short documentary-style episodes, ranging across evolution, ecology, animal behavior, astronomy, and human physiology, usually tracing each answer back to published research.
biointeractive.org
BioInteractive is an HHMI free educational site offering biology learning resources such as interactive simulations, virtual labs, short videos, and ready-to-use classroom activities. It covers topics across biology—genetics, evolution, cell biology, physiology, ecology, and more—ideal for teaching and independent learning.
khanacademy.org/science/biology
Khan Academy Biology offers free, expert-led video lessons, practice questions, and quizzes to support introductory biology learning. It covers core topics from cell biology and genetics to evolution, ecology, and physiology.
PhET Simulations
Free interactive simulations from the University of Colorado Boulder covering natural selection, gene expression, neuron signalling and molecular biology. Running the models lets you test how changing parameters shifts biological outcomes rather than reading static explanations.
Fundamentals of Biology (MIT 7.01SC)
Four self-study units on biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics and recombinant DNA. 39 lecture videos, problem-solving sessions, concept quizzes, problem sets and exams with solutions build the core understanding of how cells store, express and pass on genetic information.
Systems Biology (MIT 8.591J)
Cellular and population-level systems biology: genetic switches and oscillators, network motifs, cellular decision-making, pattern formation, cell-cell communication and evolutionary dynamics, with an emphasis on synthetic biology. Includes 24 lecture videos, problem sets and exams for learning to model genetic networks quantitatively.