Courses

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

500.619 Fundamental Physics & Chemistry of Nanomaterials (Fall)

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

500.609 Communication for Scientists and Engineers: Video News Releases (Intersession)

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….learn more

500.610 Science Writing for Scientists and Engineers (Intersession)

Course Description: This professional development workshop aims to familiarize science and engineering graduate students with the basics of science writing for scientists and the public. Students will read examples of writing and develop their own written pieces as a result of this workshop. Prerequisites: Open to NSF-IGERT and HHMI nanobiotechnology students only; Instructor: Mary Spiro…learn more

500.620 Fundamental Laboratory Principles of Nanobiotechnology (Intersession)

Course description: Nanobio Boot Camp Prereq. for NanoBio lab…learn more

500.621 NanoBio Laboratory (Spring)

Course Description: 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

500.615 (Fall), 500.616 (Spring) HHMI/IGERT Journal Club

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

500.495/695 (Fall), 500.497-697 (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…learn more