Instructor:	Steve Blair (MEB 4514, 5-6157)
Office Hours:	TH 2:00-3:00
Time:	TH 10:45 AM -12:05 PM
Location:	WEB 1450
Text Book:	Paras N. Prasad Biophotonics
Description:	This course will cover the basics of physical processes, instrumentation, and methods related to biophotonics. Topics include: interaction of light with molecules - absorption, fluorescence, energy transfer, lifetime, Raman scattering, nonlinear processes; optical probes - common fluorophores, absorbing/scattering labels, Q-dots, Raman labels; optical microscopy and imaging - confocal, two-photon, TIRF, SPR, 4-pi, near-field; single molecule detection methods - FCS, improving signal to background; sensors and microarrays - reaction kinetics, detection methods, applications.
Reading:	We will make use of the research literature and other sources of information (on-line). Papers related to upcoming topics will be distributed via this web site. You will be responsible for reading these papers and preparing for in-class discussion.
Homework:	Homework problems will be assigned periodically. Assignments will be due within two weeks of date assigned. Homework assignments can be completed by groups of two, preferrably one student with a stronger physics background and the other with a strong biology background.
Project I:	Each student will make a 10 minute presentation of a topic related to his/her own research. This will occur near the middle of the term.
Project II:	Each student will make a 20 minute presentation of a bioophotonics topic not related to his/her own research. This will occur during the final exam period.
Laboratory:	One or two laboratory exercises are planned. Lab sessions will be arranged as necessary. Labs will be performed in groups of two.
Grading:	20% Discussion participation
	20% Homework
	15% Project presentation I
	25% Project presentation II
	20% Laboratory projects