Magnetic Resonance Imaging Track:
Biophysics 03230: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. 3 semester hours. Dr. Li.
This course is designed as an introduction to nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Emphasis will be given to modern MRS techniques and their application to structural determinations of biomolecules. Imaging-guided in vivo spectroscopy and its applications to biomedicine also will be introduced.
Biophysics 03238: Magnetic Resonance Imaging. 3 semester hours. Dr. Jesmanowicz.
This is a course on the physics of modern MRI. It will take a classical approach to spin physics and will focus on pulse sequences, K-space analysis and hardware. An understanding of calculus is required, and Fourier analysis is recommended.
Biophysics 03239: Functional MRI Contrast Mechanisms and Applications. 3 semester hours. Prerequisite: Biophysics 03238. Dr. Schmainda.
The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate tissue function will be described. The course will be dedicated to discussing functional MRI (FMRI) methods that use both endogenous contrast (labeled water, deoxygenated blood) and exogenous (injectable) MR contrast agents to image tissue function. The theory and physiology necessary for understanding the MR contrast mechanisms, together with the practical knowledge necessary for performing the MR experiments, will be discussed. Demonstrations of functional MRI experiments will be included.
Biophysics 03240: Fourier Transforms. 3 semester hours. Dr. Rowe.
The course provides basic knowledge for students who will continue to study ESR or NMR. Material covers theory of Fourier transforms, digital transforms, nuclear magnetic resonance images, reconstruction, pulse spectroscopy methods, and electrical signal processing. An understanding of calculus and tensor vectors is recommended.
Molecular Biophysics Track:
Biophysics 03222: Biophysical Techniques in Biochemistry. 3 semester hours. Dr. Klug (Course Leader)
This course will introduce the basic theory and practical applications of an array of biophysical techniques commonly used in biochemical research. Optical and magnetic spectroscopies, x-ray crystallography, and kinetics techniques are just a sampling of the topics covered in this comprehensive course.
Biophysics 03223: Electron Spin Resonance. 3 semester hours. Dr. Bennett (Course Leader)
The aim of the course is to provide an introduction to the theory and practical applications of modern electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. Basic ESR theory, biological free radical spectroscopy, relaxation and motional phenomena, spin labeling, and transition metal ESR are among the topics covered.
Biophysics 03251: Free Radicals in Biology. 3 semester hours. Dr. Hogg.
Topics to be discussed include: the nature of free radicals; radical initiation, propagation, termination; free radical reactions of biological interest; and the role of free radicals in physiological and pathological processes.
Common Courses:
Biophysics 03295: Readings and Research (1 to 9 credits).
Biophysics 03298: Biophysics Journal Club. 1 semester hour. Rotating faculty.
Selected papers in theory, practice and applications of electron and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy will be read and discussed in separate sessions.
Biophysics 03300: Seminar. 1 semester hour. Weekly invited seminar speakers present their research on Molecular Biophysics and Magnetic Resonance Imaging topics.