Description: |
Learn the underlying engineering principles used to detect small molecules, DNA, proteins, and cells in the context of applications in diagnostic testing, pharmaceutical research, and environmental monitoring. Biosensor approaches including electrochemistry, fluorescence, acoustics, and optics will be taught. The course also teaches aspects of selective surface chemistry, including methods for biomolecule attachment to transducer surfaces. Students will learn how biosensor performance is characterized and will analyze case studies of commercial biosensor systems. Blood glucose detection, fluorescent DNA microarrays, label-free biochips, and bead-based assay methods will be covered. The course teaches classical methods for biodetection, but also extends into current areas of research and novel sensors involving nanotechnology, photonic crystals, and new tools used in the fields of genomics and proteomics. |
