7.349 Biological Computing: At the Crossroads of Engineering and Science (MIT)
Imagine you are a salesman needing to visit 100 cities connected by a set of roads. Can you do it while stopping in each city only once? Even a supercomputer working at 1 trillion operations per second would take longer than the age of the universe to find a solution when considering each possibility in turn. In 1994, Leonard Adleman published a paper in which he described a solution, using the tools of molecular biology, for a smaller 7-city example of this problem. His paper generated enormous
Molecular reaction dynamics
This package, written in 1998, includes interactive questions and demonstrations on the dynamics of chemical reactions. The aim is to show the effect of the potential energy surface, on reaction rates. It is intended for third or fourth year undergraduates in Chemistry. To download, click on View Download and follow the instructions. To uninstall, use the standard Windows option of “Add or Remove Programs”.
Fracture surface in a liquid crystalline polymer, oriented by a magnetic field
Above their melting point, liquid crystalline polymers exhibit a mesophase within which, although able to flow and are not arranged in a crystal, they exhibit long range orientational order. This molecular alignment can be exploited to make high strength and stiffness fibres such as Kevlar, or even mouldable thermotropics such as Vectra. Molecular alignment can also be controlled by an external applied field; a property exploited in liquid crystal displays. This polymer has been subjected to a m
Injection-moulded polystyrene (PS) case
The colours in the image are the result of birefringence and relate to the residual strain in the polystyrene. The pattern of strain is indicative of the flow of material during the injection process and it highlights the injection point (known as a 'sprue') which can also be identified by a small lump on the surface; the molecular alignment is greatest near this point. Towards the edges of the ruler and along its length, the material becomes more relaxed and as the molecular alignment falls, th
Injection-moulded polypropylene (PP) hinge
The colours in the image are the result of birefringence and relate to the residual strain in the polypropylene. The pattern of strain is indicative of the flow of material during the injection process and reveals the molecular alignment in the constriction which constitutes a hinge. The aligned molecules provide a fatigue resistant, flexible joint. A sprue which has been cut off is also visible in the top left-hand corner of the image.
5.61 Physical Chemistry (MIT)
This course presents an introduction to quantum mechanics. It begins with an examination of the historical development of quantum theory, properties of particles and waves, wave mechanics and applications to simple systems — the particle in a box, the harmonic oscillator, the rigid rotor and the hydrogen atom. The lectures continue with a discussion of atomic structure and the Periodic Table. The final lectures cover applications to chemical bonding including valence bond and molecular orb
Cu 21, Sn 79 (wt%), peritectic transformation
This microstructure is generated via a peritectic′s reaction (L+ε = η), which bears some similarities to the more familiar eutectic reaction (L = α+β). Upon cooling from the liquid phase field, primary ε is formed, which can be seen here as a slightly darker phase than the sheath of η surrounding it. The η sheath is the product of a peritectic reaction between ε and liquid. The peritectic reaction rarely goes to completion, si
Optical Tweezers and Applications
Did you ever imagine that you can use light to move a microscopic plastic bead? Explore the forces on the bead or slow time to see the interaction with the laser's electric field. Use the optical tweezers to manipulate a single strand of DNA and explore the physics of tiny molecular motors. Can you get the DNA completely straight or stop the molecular motor?
Physics in architecture
Developed in 1998 by Dr John Whittle (Department of the Built Environment) using Authorware, this package contains brief interactive notes on eight areas of physics in which architects need a working knowledge. However, it is also useful to others in science, engineering and social sciences looking for an introduction to the topics concerned. These topics are: Units of measurement; Scalar and vector quantities; Newton’s laws; Mass and weight; Action and reaction; Waves; Heat, work and energy;
7.343 Photosynthesis: Life from Light (MIT)
In this course, you will journey through the web of physical, chemical, and biological reactions that collectively constitute photosynthesis. We will begin with light harvesting and follow photons to the sites of primary photochemistry: the photoreaction centers. A molecular-scale view will show in atomic detail how these protein complexes capture and energize electrons. Then we will follow the multiple pathways electrons take as they carry out their work. Consequent reactions, such as the synth
10.34 Numerical Methods Applied to Chemical Engineering (MIT)
Numerical methods for solving problems arising in heat and mass transfer, fluid mechanics, chemical reaction engineering, and molecular simulation. Topics: numerical linear algebra, solution of nonlinear algebraic equations and ordinary differential equations, solution of partial differential equations (e.g. Navier-Stokes), numerical methods in molecular simulation (dynamics, geometry optimization). All methods are presented within the context of chemical engineering problems. Familiarity with s
20.309 Biological Engineering II: Instrumentation and Measurement (MIT)
This course covers sensing and measurement for quantitative molecular/cell/tissue analysis, in terms of genetic, biochemical, and biophysical properties. Methods include light and fluorescence microscopies; electro-mechanical probes such as atomic force microscopy, laser and magnetic traps, and MEMS devices; and the application of statistics, probability and noise analysis to experimental data. Enrollment preference is given to juniors and seniors.
10.569 Synthesis of Polymers (MIT)
Studies synthesis of polymeric materials, emphasizing interrelationships of chemical pathways, process conditions, and microarchitecture of molecules produced. Chemical pathways include traditional approaches such as anionic polymerization, radical condensation, and ring-opening polymerizations. Other techniques are discussed, including stable free radical polymerizations and atom transfer free radical polymerizations (ARTP), catalytic approaches to well-defined architectures, and polymer functi
Marketing of organic products
