Film Friday, human intelligence, and a whole lot of math

In John's August Newsletter

Recently on the "Community" tab of our YouTube page, every Friday we've been highlighting an OCW video pertaining to film. Here are two favorites.

How did Hollywood become the center of the movie industry? Professor Thorburn explains.

Click through to see how Blockbuster got blocked by Netflix: "What are some common business models and when are they most appropriately used?"

A woman standing next to a chalkboard and pointing at it.

MIT Professor Barbara Imperiali, lecturing on luminescence and fluorescence and their applications to biological research. This version of Introductory Biology highlights key developments in therapeutics, as well as tools for advancing research. (Image by Jason Player, MIT OpenCourseWare.)

7.016 Introductory Biology

This course provides an introduction to fundamental principles of biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics for understanding the functions of living systems.

Biological function at the molecular level is particularly emphasized and covers the structure and regulation of genes, as well as the structure and synthesis of proteins, how these molecules are integrated into cells, and how these cells are integrated into multicellular systems and organisms. In addition, each version of the subject has its own distinctive material.

A man standing in front of a chalkboard.

Prof. Yufei Zhao teaching Graph Theory and Additive Combinatorics. (Image by MIT OpenCourseWare.)

18.217 Graph Theory and Additive Combinatorics

This course examines classical and modern developments in graph theory and additive combinatorics, with a focus on topics and themes that connect the two subjects. The course also introduces students to current research topics and open problems.

Michelangelo's famous painting of God's Creation of Adam, on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome.

Michelangelo's famous fresco of God's Creation of Adam, on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. (Public domain image.)

6.803 The Human Intelligence Enterprise

This course analyzes seminal work directed at the development of a computational understanding of human intelligence, such as work on learning, language, vision, event representation, commonsense reasoning, self reflection, story understanding, and analogy.

It reviews visionary ideas of Turing, Minsky, and other influential thinkers and examines the implications of work on brain scanning, developmental psychology, and cognitive psychology.

There is an emphasis on discussion and analysis of original papers; students taking the graduate version complete additional exercises and a substantial term project.

Faculty Profile: Haynes Miller

First hired for his brilliant mathematical work, Haynes Miller is also recognized as an exceptional educator:

“One day, one of my students drew a hyperbola on the board after solving a tough equation, which showed the relationship between my face and their mastery of the problem. My expression moves from smiling amusement at their struggles—learning is underway!—to a calm kind of serenity when they finally get the answer.”

>Read the complete article

Behind OCW is a generous community

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Dear John,

Just as OCW would not be possible without the generosity of MIT faculty sharing their course materials freely and openly, OCW could not grow without our community of supporters and learners who donate each year.

Last year, OCW was supported with a median gift of just $25. Like our learners, OCW supporters come from all over the world and believe in the power of open access.

If you’re able, please consider donating $25 to help power OCW into the new academic year ahead.

Thank you!

Views from OCW Supporters

A hand is sketching a blueprint. The camera angle is behind the individual, they are wearing a green shirt.

Photo by ThisisEngineering RAEng on Unsplash

I am a recently retired engineer using OCW for about 15 years. Initially, I was exploring new areas of mat and knocking the rust off in other areas. Curiosity drives much of my interest; now I am currently very interested in AI and am taking several related courses.

What separates OCW from others in mathematics is in the area of context. Learning a thing is useful only if you understand when and how it applies. OCW excels in teaching context.

- David, Independent Learner, United States

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