Courses

The following courses were specifically created for INBT's education programs.

670.621 – NanoBio Laboratory

This course introduces students to concepts and laboratory techniques in nanobiotechnology. The focus of the laboratory is on nanoparticle carriers for drug delivery and markers for imaging. The laboratory involves the synthesis of nanoparticles using solution phase techniques and characterization of the nanoparticles by optical techniques such as dynamic light scattering and absorbance spectroscopy. Strategies for functionalization of nanoparticles are covered with focus on methods for attaching biomolecules. A second focus of the laboratory is on cell culture and optical microscopy – techniques important for applications of nanoparticles. In a final section of the course, nanoparticles functionalized with biologically-active molecules, genes, antibodies or other proteins, will be used to probe cell function and to develop methods to enhance our ability to deliver bio-active molecules to cells and tissues. Prerequisites: 500.620; Instructor: Denis Wirtz & Peter Searson Friday, 1-4 pm

670.627 – Commercializing Emerging Technologies

This course will provide “hands-on” experience for pre-doctoral students in identifying viable translational commercialization pathways and establishing credible business plans for new technologies. Students will be challenged to identify possible commercial opportunities associated with their own research, to complete a market analysis, develop a project plan and draft a business plan suitable for presentation to potential investors. While experts in the field will describe key elements of each step briefly, the focus will be on executing the critical steps rather than on business theory. Although each student will be expected to work on an individual project, the course structure will encourage class support and feedback. At the end of the course students will be expected to develop a business plan and funding proposal suitable to present to a panel of venture experts. No Prerequisite;Instructors: Tom Fekete/Denis Wirtz

670.617 – Cancer Nanotechnology Training Center tutorials

Course Description: This course is to allow CNTC fellows the opportunity each week to review and present on cancer research topics.  The papers and discussions covered will be on areas of human cancers and nanotechnology and include the latest developments from studies of model organisms.

670.495/695 (Fall), 670.497-697 (Spring) – Animation in Nanotechnology & Medicine

Course Description: This course involves the use of animation to visualize scientific processes in nanotechnology and medicine. Animation is becoming an increasingly important tool in both research and education, especially in fields such as nanobiotechnology that involve complex processes and occur at multiple length scales. Understanding of the subject matter is gained through interaction with faculty and graduate students in research groups in the Institute of NanoBioTechnology at Hopkins. The course follows the basic animation pipeline from concept to post production. Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor; Instructor: Peter Searson/Martin Rietveld

670.620 – Fundamental Laboratory Principles of Nanobiotechnology

Course description: Nanobio Boot Camp Prereq. for NanoBio lab

670.609 – Communication for Scientists and Engineers: Video News Releases

This professional development course trains students to present complex research ideas to nontechnical audiences, such as the mass media or policy makers. Skills learned in this course help students become more effective communicators to their colleagues, to the general public and to those who may influence funding resources. Lectures and demonstrations focus on the best practices for using digital media as a valuable tool for communicating complex subject matter to a broad audience. Students begin by writing short, plain language highlights about their own research at Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology. Using digital video and recording equipment, students then practice interviewing techniques with their classmates and faculty mentors. Working in teams, students write, film, and produce a video news release aimed at communicating a specific scientific or engineering topic to nontechnical viewers. The course culminates in a film festival where students and faculty view and evaluate the final video productions. Enrollment restricted to graduate students associated with INBT only, or by special permission of the instructor

670.619 – Fundamental Physics & Chemistry of Nanomaterials

Course Description: This course will cover the physics and chemistry relevant to the design, synthesis, and characterization of nanoparticles. Topics include nanoparticle synthesis, functionalization, surface engineering, and applications in diagnostics and therapeutics. The properties of semiconductor quantum dots and magnetic nanoparticles will be reviewed along with techniques for nanoparticle manipulation, particle tracking, and bio-microrheology. Patterning tools including soft lithography, optical lithography, e-beam lithography, and template lithography will be discussed. Electron and scanning probe microscopy will be reviewed. Prerequisites: N/A; Mon & Thurs. 1-2:15; Instructors: Peter Season, Joelle Frechette, Denis Wirtz, Chia-Ling Chien

670.615 (Fall), 670.616 (Spring) – Introduction to Nanobio Tutorials

Course Description: Students in the IGERT/HHMI training grant programs study and present topics in nanotechnology applied to biology from the scientific literature. No Prerequisites; Instructor: Denis Wirtz…learn more Monday 12-1pm

670.624 (Fall), 670.625 (Spring) – NanoBio Tutorials: Special Topics

Course Description: This course allows students the opportunity each week to review and present on special research topics related to nanobiotechnology.  The papers and research discussed will cover the latest developments in various researches. Prerequisite: 670.615/616, 670.618/619, 670.622/623 Instructor: Denis Wirtz

670.622 (Fall), 670.623 (Spring) – Advanced NanoBio Tutorials

Course Description: As a follow-up to NanoBio Tutorials, students will present scientific articles and reviews related to their current research project. Topics will be related to nanotechnology applied to biology.  Students should be assigned a research project from their labs and be able to engage other students into their research and field of study. Prerequisite: 670.615/616, 670.618/619 Instructor: Denis Wirtz

670.618 (Fall), 670.628 (Spring) – NanoBio Tutorials

As a follow-up to Intro to NanoBio Tutorials, INBT training grant students will conduct extensive articles reviews on topics related to the research being conducted in their labs (i.e., nanoparticles synthesis, quantum dots, cancer, etc.). Topics will also be related to nanotechnology applied to biology from scientific literature. Students will also present literary reviews, discussions and formal presentations on articles as they relate to research or projects they wish to partake in. Prerequisite: 670.615/616 Instructor: Denis Wirtz

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