Curriculum.
The curriculum is broken into four modules consisting of a series of lessons. We will complete one lesson each week. The first three modules will give you a good foundation for biophysical research and will be completed virtually. The optional fourth module, for those wishing to continue, will involve a research project and will involve coming into the lab and getting some hands-on experience.
#1
Basics of Biophysics
In this module we will introduce the field of biophysics as well as some of the main principles we will use throughout the rest of the program.
We will also discuss how scientists ask and develop their research questions.
Since everyone comes with different skills and have taken different classes in school, this module will help us all get on the same page.
#2
Proteins
The field of biophysics our lab studies in particular is that of membrane proteins.
In this module we will introduce proteins and what roles they play physiologically. We will look at the relationship between protein structure and function and introduce the role of membrane proteins.
We will also dive into scientific literature and learn how to interpret data.
#3
Biophysical Techniques
Now that we have learned the basics of proteins we will dive into some major techniques that we use to study them.
We will start by learning techniques we use in the lab to grow and purify proteins and then look at methods used to characterize the structure and function of the protein of interest.
#4
Research Project
Throughout modules 1-3 you will learn about protein sequencing, homology modeling, making mutations to the protein, developing a growth and purification protocol, and developing a research question.
Module 4 is optional and will expand upon what you have learned in the first three modules by applying what you have learned to a specific protein. This module ideally will involve coming into the lab and getting some hands on experience.