Experimental Techniques in Biology (BIO 335)

2025 Fall
Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences
Mol.Bio.Genetic&Bioengin.(BIO)
3
6
Ali Rıza Umut Şahin umut.sahin@sabanciuniv.edu,
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English
Undergraduate
--
Formal lecture,Interactive lecture,Laboratory
Interactive,Learner centered,Communicative,Discussion based learning,Task based learning,Case Study
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Programs\Type Required Core Elective Area Elective
Electronics Engineering *
Electronics Engineering *
Materials Science and Nano Engineering *
Materials Science and Nano Engineering (Previous Name: Materials Science and Engineering) *
Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering *
Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering (Pre. Name: Biological Sciences and Bioengineering) *

CONTENT

A general introduction to basic techniques used in characterization and separation of biological systems and molecules. Topics include microscopy, centrifugation, liquid chromatography methods, spectroscopy and electrophoresis. Lab sessions will give a chance to use these techniques individually.

OBJECTIVE

To teach students the basic concepts of bioanalytical techniques in both, theory and practice, which are relevant to biologists and bioengineers but also students from different fields.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

  • Upon completion of the course, students will have a general knowledge of basic laboratory techniques for characterization and separation of biological systems and molecules. Students would be able to perform basic laboratory techniques.
  • Module 1 Microscopy: Students will have a deeper understanding of both, theory and application in the following topics: Basic Concepts in Microscopy Light microscopy Fluorescence microscopy Confocal Microscopy Live-cell imaging and Sensor techniques
  • Module 2 Electrophoresis Techniques: Students will learn how to use Gel electrophoresis techniques for analysis of nucleic acids and proteins for both, diagnostic purposes and preparative purposes, which includes: Basic Concepts in Electrophoresis Horizontal and Vertical Electrophoresis 2D Gel Electrophoresis and Protein Detection Methods Electrophoresis of Nucleic Acids
  • Module 3 Centrifugation Techniques: Basic Concepts of Centrifugation Techniques Types of Centrifuges and analytical ultracentrifugation techniques Separation methods and preparative ultracentrifuges Types of rotors
  • Module 4 Spectroscopic Techniques: Introduction and basic concepts of Spectroscopic Techniques UV-VIS Spectroscopy Infrared and fluorescence spectroscopy Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy NMR Spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography Atomic Spectroscopy and Mass spectroscopy
  • Module 5 PCR Techniques: Principles of Polymerase Chain reaction Preparative and Diagnostic PCR DNA Sequencing methods Sanger Sequencing, Next Generation Sequencing Methods
  • Module 6 Chromatography and Mass spectrometry: Basic Principles of Chromatography Thin layer chromatography Liquid Chromatography Gas Chromatography Principles of MALDI-TOF Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

PROGRAMME OUTCOMES

1. Understand the world, their country, their society, as well as themselves and have awareness of ethical problems, social rights, values and responsibility to the self and to others. 2

2. Understand different disciplines from natural and social sciences to mathematics and art, and develop interdisciplinary approaches in thinking and practice. 5

3. Think critically, follow innovations and developments in science and technology, demonstrate personal and organizational entrepreneurship and engage in life-long learning in various subjects; have the ability to continue to educate him/herself. 3

4. Communicate effectively in Turkish and English by oral, written, graphical and technological means. 3

5. Take individual and team responsibility, function effectively and respectively as an individual and a member or a leader of a team; and have the skills to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams. 3

1. Possess sufficient knowledge of mathematics, science, fundamental engineering, computational methods and program-specific engineering topics; use theoretical and applied knowledge of these areas in complex engineering problems. 3

2. Identify, define, formulate and solve complex engineering problems while considering the UN Sustainable Development Goals; choose and apply suitable analysis, design, estimation/prediction and modeling methods for this purpose. 2

3. Develop, choose and use modern techniques and tools that are needed for analysis and solution of complex problems faced in engineering applications; use information technologies effectively. 3

4. Have the ability to design a complex system, process, instrument or a product under realistic constraints and conditions, with the goal of fulfilling creative current and future requirements. 1

5. Use research methods, including conducting literature reviews, designing experiments, performing experiments, collecting data, analyzing results, and interpreting results, to investigate complex engineering problems or discipline-specific research topics. 5

6. Possess knowledge of business practices such as project management, risk management, change management, and economic feasibility analysis; awareness on entrepreneurship and innovation. 1

7. Possess knowledge of impact of engineering solutions on society, health and safety, the economy, sustainability, and the environment within the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals; awareness on legal outcomes of engineering solutions; awareness of acting impartially and inclusively without any form of discrimination; act in accordance with ethical principles, possessing knowledge of professional and ethical responsibilities. 2

8. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, on technical subjects, considering the diverse characteristics of the target audience (such as education, language, and profession). 1

ASSESSMENT METHODS and CRITERIA

  Percentage (%)
Final 30
Midterm 30
Quiz 10
Group Project 15
Written Report 15

RECOMENDED or REQUIRED READINGS

Textbook

Bioanalytics: Analytical Methods and Concepts in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Friedrich Lottspeich (Editor), Joachim W. Engels (Editor)
ISBN: 978-3-527-33919-8
Readings

Course slides updated annually.