Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | EN.670.621

Nanobio Laboratory

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.06)

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 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. The basic aspects of cell culture and optical microscopy techniques will be covered. Nanoparticles functionalized with a drug or gene will be used to perform transfection experiments and compared to standard techniques.

Spring 2013

(4.13)

Spring 2014

(4.0)

Spring 2013

Professor: Denis Wirtz

(4.13)

The best aspects of the course were the engaging lectures delivered by an enthusiastic professor, and the interesting course material. The worst aspects of the course were the unclear lectures, excessive reading assignments and the disorganized class structure at times. The professor didn’t always follow the syl abus schedule when it came to lectures, jumped around on many subjects, and completely overlooked some. The course would improve if there was a better structured syllabus with clearer expectations, as well as more assignments in between the semester so that grades wouldn’t be heavily weighted on the exams. Prospective students should attend al classes and spend time with the readings.

Spring 2014

Professor: Denis Wirtz

(4.0)

Throughout this course, students analyzed ceramics first-hand and gained a solid understanding of the subject. Many students agreed that the assignments perfectly aligned with the subject matter taught in lectures. The professor incorporated a wide range of studies and ceramic uses and the course was taught in the museum. However, at times lectures were too intensive for one class period, and class seemed to drag by with it being three hours. Students suggested that the class be split into two days instead of one and that there be more discussion to improve the quality of this course. Prospective students should probably have some ceramics/archaeology background before enrol ing.