This hands-on laboratory course teaches essential laboratory skills in biophysics. Experiments cover sample preparation techniques, such as protein expression and purification, modern research methods such as atomic force microscopy, optical tweezers, NMR, X-ray crystallography, and computational techniques such as molecular dynamics simulation. A final project will allow students to explore a topic of their interest in greater depth.

Course Requirements:

Laboratory reports, pre-lab quizzes, and a final project.

Intended Audience:

Biophysics majors at the junior level and interested Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics students.

This is a core course to teach essential laboratory skills to biophysics majors, covering both routine sample preparation techniques and modern research methods. It is intended to bridge the gap between classroom work and work in the research laboratory. Some physics students with an interest in the life sciences may choose this laboratory in lieu of one of the advanced physics laboratory course.

Class Format:

In addition to a one-hour lecture, students will be required to spend 4 hours in the laboratory each week. A GSI and the laboratory coordinator will be present and available for discussion and help during laboratory hours.