BME 3020 - Molecular Principles of Biomedical Engineering

Spring. 3 credits.

Prerequisite: at least one course from BIOG 1440 or BIOG 1445, BIOMG 3320, BIOMG 3330. Instructors’ permission will be required for students who do not meet this requirement.

S. D. Archer, C. Fischbach-Teschl.

Genomic and proteomic thinking and tools have revolutionized the way scientists study biology and medicine. We are now beginning to understand the molecular level mechanisms that underlie normal and pathologic cellular functions. As a consequence, novel molecular level approaches provide the basis for better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to effectively treat or prevent human diseases. This course aims to present a broad overview of molecular level techniques that are relevant in many aspects of biomedical engineering. We will discuss the underlying principles, how to interpret representative data, limitations of current approaches, and engineering challenges for the development of new and improved techniques.

The lectures will cover existing and emerging technologies and instrumentation critical to molecular - level analysis in biomedical engineering. These will include DNA recombinant technology, design of primers, vectors and gene-modified organisms, gene therapy approaches, DNA sequencing, quantification of RNA expression, fundamentals of protein biochemistry and biophysics, protein structure determination, mass spectrometry, protein purification, thermodynamic principles of biomolecular interactions, enzyme kinetics and modes of inhibition, and design and application of nano- and microtechnologies for diagnosis and therapeutic applications.

The laboratory work consists of three modules: DNA isolation and sequencing, surface plasmon resonance technique, and design of microfluidic systems for molecular biology applications.