Introduction to Experimental Biophysics (Set) : Textbook and Lab Manual

A practical companion for physical scientists seeking to move into wet laboratory experiments and biological research areas, this set provides a firm footing in basic terminology and concepts. The text begins with the simpler, essential methods and then builds gradually to more advanced techniques. Written at a level that assumes no previous background in biology, the book is organized to follow a logical experimental progression. This structure allows readers to follow the steps involved in the production of nucleic acids and proteins and the different levels of purification required for each type of analysis.

This set presents wet lab methods for courses in biophysics or molecular biology. It provides a thorough description of modern experimental and analytical techniques used in biological and biophysical research. The author gives practical, step-by-step guidance on instrumentation and experimental design and includes recipes for common solutions and media, lists of important reagents, and a glossary of biological terms.

The manual offers a flexible course plan that permits completion of the labs in either a full term or intensive summer course. Tested in a pedagogical setting, the experiments follow a logical progression beginning with a DNA construct. The book starts with the basics of molecular cloning: amplifying and purifying plasmid, plasmid mapping, and using restriction enzymes. Later experiments deal with more advanced, emerging techniques, such as the synthesis and characterization of quantum dots and gold nanoparticles, protein crystallization, and spectroscopic techniques.