The world at the nanometer-scale is full of dynamic phenomena that are vastly different than those encountered at the macro scale. Biological processes that are of particular contemporary interest, such as cell differentiation, are stimulated by the activity and interaction of biomolecules at the nanoscale. Thus, an understanding of the physics and engineering in such systems is a vital component toward overcoming an immense array of challenging problems in the biological and medical sciences. This course will focus particularly on a conceptual and mechanistic understanding of technologies that permit the study of events at the nanometer scale, including scanning probe microscopes (including SEM and AFM) and optical methods such as fluorescence microscopy and related techniques (including single particle tracking, FRET, FCS). Finally, two laboratory components in optical trap microscopy and microrheology will be the cornerstone of the course. These two labs will each develop over the course of 5 weeks each, thus providing an experiential aspect to lab learning that will require the willingness to take intellectual risks and teamwork. These "hands on" laboratory modules will uniquely prepare students to face the open-ended, teamwork-oriented problems.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the Student Link for the most up-to-date course information.