Pick a thread. Follow it.
The Institute's learning material is organised as a network of modules rather than a linear course. Each module stands on its own — a single topic, a clear goal, honest flags throughout — and connects to the modules that come before and after it. Start anywhere. Follow what interests you. The paths below are suggested routes for common destinations, but the topic index lets you enter wherever you want.
Suggested paths
Each path is a curated sequence of modules built to deliver a specific understanding. You can deviate at any point — every module lists its own prerequisites and the topics it unlocks, so you can rebuild your route as you go.
From atoms to the protomolecule
~12 modules · ~6 hoursBuild the full ladder from atomic structure to a rigorous reconstruction of the protomolecule.
- 01 What an atom actually is M-Chem-01 · 25 min
- 02 How electrons are arranged M-Chem-02 · 40 min
- 03 Chemical bonds — three flavours M-Chem-03 · 30 min
- 04 The weak forces that run biology M-Chem-04 · 25 min
- 05 Why carbon runs biology M-Chem-05 · 25 min
- 06 Prions — propagating a shape, not a sequence M-Bio-01 · 20 min
- 07 Viruses and the hijack pattern M-Bio-02 · 30 min
- 08 Von Neumann machines M-Theory-01 · 30 min
- 09 Directed panspermia, taken seriously M-Bio-03 · 30 min
- 10 Real molecular machines M-Tech-01 · 35 min
- 11 Entanglement and what it doesn't permit M-Phys-01 · 35 min
- 12 The protomolecule synthesis Overview · 30 min
Toward autonomous healing systems
~8 modules · ~4 hoursBuild the conceptual foundation needed to evaluate the AIHS feasibility study with real understanding.
- 01 What an atom actually is M-Chem-01 · 25 min
- 02 Chemical bonds — three flavours M-Chem-03 · 30 min
- 03 The weak forces that run biology M-Chem-04 · 25 min
- 04 DNA, RNA, and the central dogma M-Bio-04 · 30 min
- 05 Reading the genome (and why it's not enough) M-Med-01 · 30 min
- 06 CRISPR and editing in vivo M-Med-02 · 35 min
- 07 Lipid nanoparticles and targeted delivery M-Med-03 · 30 min
- 08 The AIHS feasibility study Full study · live
Just the chemistry fundamentals
~5 modules · ~2.5 hoursA standalone path through the foundations of chemistry — useful on its own, no exotic-science destination required.
Topic index
Every module the Institute has published or is developing, grouped by subject. Modules marked planned have an outline but no full text yet. The ID system encodes the topic family: M-Chem for chemistry, M-Bio for biology, M-Phys for physics, M-Med for medicine, M-Tech for technology, M-Theory for theoretical foundations.