Biomedical Engineering 590STA - Intro to Force Spectroscopy

The course introduces the fundamentals of major force spectroscopy methods (atomic force microscopy, optical tweezers, and magnetic tweezers), principles of force measurement, force calibration, signal and noise, and applications to studies of biomaterial's mechanical properties, such as polymer elasticity, protein folding, nanoindentation, and structural transitions in macromolecules. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to: 1) Understand the physical concepts and key components of the three major force spectroscopic techniques; 2) Understand the importance and application areas of force spectroscopies in engineering research and product development; 3) Summarize key knowledge into a research/development report and present a talk.

MATH 233 and BMED-ENG 275