BME103
BME 103 Fall 2012 | Home People Lab Write-Up 1 Lab Write-Up 2 Lab Write-Up 3 Course Logistics For Instructors Photos Wiki Editing Help |
Introduction to Biomedical Engineering - Lab Part 2
GETTING STARTED
THE COURSE IN REVIEWSet-up: OpenPCR BuildingBefore this unit began, a group of ~10 upper level undergrads and graduate students assembled the OpenPCR machines. This was a great experience for the graduate students, and saved our Freshmen engineers the time and trouble of assembling the delicate pieces from scratch in a very limited amount of time. Thanks to our assembly team and Dr. Pizziconi's Design Studio team for your help! Week 1: Introduction - DNA as a Biomarker, 10/17/12Students were introduced to basic DNA science and its relationship to diagnostics and health. Sequence-specific DNA hybridization uses primers designed to base-pair with a target disease-associated marker. This leads to exponential amplification of an invisible DNA target. A mismatch (non-disease DNA sequence) does not produce amplification. Team members chose roles as Open PCR machine tester, Experimental protocol planner, and Research and development scientist.
In concurrent work sessions...
Week 2: DNA Amplification Reactions, 10/24/12Students used their experience from the previous week to set up and run a PCR experiment. The students were provided with personal protective equipment, PCR reaction mix, diluted template + primers. The instructors set up positive and negative "patient" samples so that some samples would test positive for a DNA marker (produce amplification), and others would test negative.
They were introduced to a Single Drop Fluorimeter fluorescence-based DNA detection device that was designed by Dr. Garcia. When a natural or PCR-amplified double-stranded DNA sample is stained with SYBR green and exposed to a blue LED light, the drop fluoresces green. The signal is captured as an image with the user's camera phone.
Activities:
Week 3: Measuring DNA Using Fluorescence, 10/31/12 |