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  • ENSC E-123 Laboratory Electronics: Digital Circuit Design (Spring)
  • ENSC E-130 Introduction to BioMEMS (Fall)
  • ENSC E-131 Nanofabrication and Nano-analysis (Fall)
  • ENSC E-150 Introduction to Nanobiotechnology: Concepts and Applications (Fall)
  • ENSC E-151 Nanotechnology for Drug Discovery and Delivery (Spring)
  • ENSC E-155 Fundamentals and Applications of Microfluidics (Spring)
  • ENSC E-156 Microfluidics Applications for Biological Analysis and Discovery (Spring)
  • ENSC E-165 Engineering of Nanostructures for Targeted Drug Delivery (Spring)
ENSC E-123 Laboratory Electronics: Digital Circuit Design
Spring term (22098)
Thomas C. Hayes, JD, Lecturer on Physics, Harvard University.
Thursdays beginning Jan. 26, 6-9:30 pm. Required sections to be arranged.
Course tuition: noncredit $1,900, undergraduate credit $1,900, graduate credit $1,900.
Limited enrollment.
Website Printable version
This course forms the digital half of a two-semester sequence that provides a lab-intensive survey of electronics (the analog half of the sequence is PHYS E-123a). It covers digital design, emphasizing microprocessors and microcontrollers as well as programmable logic devices, and provides an understanding of the fundamentals of computer circuitry. After examining analog-digital interfacing issues, students program and attach peripherals to a microcontroller. We offer the design in either of two forms: a single-chip standalone controller, programmed using a laptop PC; or a microcomputer built up from a collection of a half dozen ICs. They apply either computer/controller first to assigned tasks, later to individual projects. The student's microcomputer is based on an 8051-derivative microcontroller, chosen because it is the most widely-sourced of controllers. Each meeting includes a laboratory session. Prerequisites: high school algebra and some familiarity with analog electronics. (4 credits)
ENSC E-130 Introduction to BioMEMS
Fall term (13210)
Fawwaz Habbal, PhD, Senior Lecturer on Applied Physics, Harvard University.
Thursdays beginning Sept. 1, 5:30-7:30 pm. Experiments at the Center for Nanoscale Systems to be arranged.
Course tuition: noncredit $1,950, graduate credit $1,950.
Online option available.
Lecture 1 video.
Lecture 2 video.
Website Printable version
This course introduces students to the rapidly emerging, multidisciplinary, and exciting field of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). It teaches fundamentals of micro- and nanofabrication techniques, including hard and soft lithography techniques, thin-film fabrication, and etching techniques. Other topics include methods and tools for imaging submicron structures and devices. Applications of MEMS technologies and related BioMEMS are discussed. Local students use research fabrication facilities to build simple MEMS structures and to image them. (4 credits)
ENSC E-131 Nanofabrication and Nano-analysis
Fall term (13629)
David C. Bell, PhD, Gordon McKay Professor of the Practice of Electron Microscopy, Harvard University.
Jiangdong Deng, PhD, Principal Scientist, Center for Nanoscale Systems, Harvard University.
Thursdays beginning Sept. 1, 7:35-9:35 pm.
Course tuition: graduate credit $1,900.
Limited enrollment.
Website Printable version
This laboratory course explores the concepts of nanotechnology through classic nanofabrication and nano-analysis. Through nanofabrication we introduce two approaches to fabricate nanoscale devices and materials: bottom-up nanofabrication and top-down nanofabrication. Bottom-up fabrication forms device structures directly from mechanisms of material growth such as atomic layer deposition methods. Top-down nanofabrication produces nanometre scale devices from bulk materials by lithography techniques, which include photolithography and e-beam lithography. Several analysis techniques are introduced including, for example, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microsocopy, and x-ray microanalysis applied to simple devices and structures as fabricated in class. Prerequisite: students must pass the required safety training for cleanroom use. (4 credits)
ENSC E-150 Introduction to Nanobiotechnology: Concepts and Applications
Fall term (12806)
Anas Chalah, PhD, Lecturer on Engineering Sciences, Harvard University.
Tuesdays beginning Aug. 30, 5:30-7:30 pm.
Course tuition: noncredit $1,950, graduate credit $1,950.
Online option available. Lecture 1 video.
Website Printable version
Nanobiotechnology is a new frontier for biology with important applications in medicine. It bridges areas in physics, chemistry, and biology and is a testament to the new areas of interdisciplinary science that will become dominant in the twenty-first century. This course provides perspective for students and researchers who are interested in nanoscale physical and biological systems and their applications in medicine. It introduces concepts in nanomaterials and their use with biocomponents to synthesize and address larger systems. Applications include systems for visualization, labeling, drug delivery, and cancer research. Technological impact of nanoscale systems, synthesis, and characterizations of nanoscale materials are discussed. Prerequisite: introductory courses in chemistry, physics, and biology; an introductory course in nanoscale science would be helpful. (4 credits)
ENSC E-151 Nanotechnology for Drug Discovery and Delivery
Spring term (23684)
David C. Bell, PhD, Gordon McKay Professor of the Practice of Electron Microscopy, Harvard University.
Tuesdays beginning Jan. 24, 7:35-9:35 pm.
Course tuition: graduate credit $1,900.
Limited enrollment.
Website Printable version
This is a hands-on laboratory that allows students to use and explore the nanoscale world with leading edge research equipment. It includes sample preparation of biological materials as well as training to use optical fluorescence, scanning, and transmission electron microscopes to examine the nanoscale world. Prerequisite: ENSC E-150, or the equivalent. (4 credits)
ENSC E-155 Fundamentals and Applications of Microfluidics
Spring term (22768)
Fawwaz Habbal, PhD, Senior Lecturer on Applied Physics, Harvard University.
Anas Chalah, PhD, Lecturer on Engineering Sciences, Harvard University.
Wednesdays beginning Jan. 25, 5:30-7:30 pm. Experiments at the Center for Nanoscale Systems to be arranged.
Course tuition: noncredit $1,950, graduate credit $1,950.
Online option available. Lecture 1 video.
Website Printable version
Advancements in the study of microfluidic components and systems have created a new class of tools and devices. These devices are convenient platforms to study chemical and biochemical analysis and, as a consequence, applications in biology have been on the rise. In this course we introduce the science and technology of miniaturization and its applications in creating microfluidic devices. We discuss methods, tools, and measuring devices to create microfluidic systems. Different types of lithography methods are presented with hands-on experiences for creating simple devices. We discuss fluid flow and fluid characteristics in microchannels as well as the components for controlling fluid flow. We also discuss applications to cellular analysis including nucleic acids analysis, DNA hybridization and sequencing, and protein analysis. Local students will have the opportunity to fabricate several simple devices. Prerequisites: PHYS E-1b, or the equivalent, and some knowledge of biology. (4 credits)
ENSC E-156 Microfluidics Applications for Biological Analysis and Discovery
Spring term (23272)
*** ENSC E-156 Spring term (23272) has been CANCELED. ***
This is a laboratory course that allows students to fabricate samples and a microfluidic device of their own. The course covers the concepts of design, testing, and prototyping for a microfluidic device, and also incorporates basic microscopy training for biological materials. Prerequisite: ENSC E-155, which may be taken concurrently.
ENSC E-165 Engineering of Nanostructures for Targeted Drug Delivery
Spring term (23245)
Anas Chalah, PhD, Lecturer on Engineering Sciences, Harvard University.
Tuesdays beginning Jan. 24, 5:30-7:30 pm.
Course tuition: noncredit $1,900, graduate credit $1,900.
Website Printable version
This course describes the emerging role of nanostructures in drug development activities. It covers the most current nano techniques applied by the pharmaceutical industry to engineer shuttling mechanisms for delivering previously failed drug molecules. Throughout the course, students learn the basic principles of drug likeness, the rule of five for drug design, and the effect of these principles on excluding a wide range of chemical structures. The course focuses on methods of nanostructures' surface functionalization, immobilization, engineering of stealth nano vehicles for cellular delivery, as well as the use of quantum dots for nuclear and cytoplasmic visualization. Examples of FDA approved nanodrugs in addition to nano formulations at the pre-clinical and clinical stages are discussed. Prerequisites: basic background in chemistry, biochemistry, and biology highly recommended. (4 credits)

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