Analytical Technologies in Biomedical Research

Satisfies the advanced experience requirement for the Biology major.Technological breakthroughs underpin experimental discoveries, and students can benefit from understanding the analytical technologies employed in biomedical research including how they work, as well as how they are applied, and how data is interpreted and analyzed. This course will cover Analytical Technologies in Biomedical Research from a fundamental technological perspective, as well as focusing on how these technologies are applied to specific relevant questions.There will be seven main topics discussed: Genomics, Light Microscopy, Electron Microscopy, Flow Cytometry, NMR, Structural Biology, and Mass Spectrometry. Each topic will be covered in a two week block, the first session will involve a lecture covering the topic, and then the second session will focus on discussion of two primary research papers that depend upon the technology for that section. Students will present the papers as a group to the rest of the class and then following Q&A, there will be a moderated discussion of the papers and how the technology was applied. Assessment will be based on the paper presentation, a write-up of the paper presented by each member of the presenting group, a final exam, and class participation.