20.109(F08)

Fall 2008

Instructors: Angela Belcher, Bevin Engelward, Natalie Kuldell and  Agi Stachowiak Writing Instructor: Neal Lerner,  Mya Poe Oral Presentation Instructor: Atissa Banuazizi Graduate TAs: Luis Alvarez, Brian Belmont, Michelle Sukup Jackson,

Lecture: T/R 11-12 (66-168) Lab:     T/R 1-5 or W/F 1-5 (56-322) Seminar Room: 16-336

Welcome to 20.109! For many of you this will be the first time in a research lab and for others it will not, but it is our goal to make this class a useful and fun introduction to experiments and techniques in biological engineering. There is not time enough to show you everything you’ll need to know if you go on to do research, but after taking this class you should feel confident and familiar with some fundamental experimental approaches and lab protocols. You will develop good habits at the bench, ones that will increase the likelihood of success in your work and ensure the health and safety of you and those around you. By the end of the semester, you should also be aware of good scientific practice, having had some experience with report writing, notebook keeping and publicly presenting your data. All of us involved in teaching 20.109 hope you will find it a satisfying challenge and an exciting experience that has lasting value.

Announcements

 * Research proposals and Art/Science collaborations will be presented Thursday 12.4 and Friday 12.5 in 16-336 starting at 1PM. Snacks will be served and everyone is welcome to attend both days. Speaking order will be determined by the order n which the final presentations are emailed to your instructor.


 * With apologies, there will be **no lecture on Thursday (11.13.08)** Angie has to speak on an energy panel and they re-scheduled her speaking time slot in conflict with lecture.


 * Remember that if you're interested in a discussion about the intersection of art and science, we will have an international teleconference in the lab with folks in Belfast, Jerusalem and Finland from noon-1 on Thursday, 11.13.08. The conversation will continue from 1-2 if you'd like to stay, with some demonstrations. Everyone is welcome to attend all or some of the event.


 * The journal club presentations will be on Thursday and Friday in 16-336 starting at 1:30. Refreshments will be served.


 * The "for next time" assignment associated with the M3D2 lab is due in lab on Tuesday 11.18 or Wednesday 11.19.


 * No lecture or lab on Tuesday November 11th. Happy Veteran's Day.


 * You can find the latest changes to the 20.109 wiki at Recent changes for 20.109
 * You can find old announcements here