Biosensors and optogenetics are important tools used to understand the physiology of living systems across the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organismal levels. Luminescent biosensors emit light during a measurement while optogenetics are activated by light to control and manipulate signaling and metabolism in living cells. In this course, students will explore the chemistry and biology of these tools, focusing on the principles of their design, strategies for their construction, and their applications in the life and physical sciences. Students will engage the subject matter with group work, peer-to-peer editing, and individual assignments through a combination of active-learning lectures, current literature analysis, and oral presentations. The course will culminate in the writing and presentation of an NIH-style original research proposal. This course will provide foundations for thinking about protein engineering as well as hypothesis-driven biological questions, and it is appropriate for students across the spectrum of chemical, physical, and biological interests.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 12

Crosslisted Courses:

Prerequisites: BIOC/CHEM 223 or BIOC/CHEM 227 or BIOC/BISC 220 or (CHEM 205 and CHEM 212 and (BISC 110 or BISC 112 or BISC 116))

Instructor: Tantama

Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered

Notes: