Principles and Practice of Biochemical and Cell Based Assays in Drug Discovery

TSCI 710 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

The overarching objective of this course is an introduction to the essential topics in biochemistry and cell biology relevant to assay design, drug discovery and therapeutic sciences. This foundational course combines lectures and lab-based training to provide students with fundamental knowledge emphasizing their application in assay development. Through hands-on laboratory sessions, participants will learn to translate theoretical concepts into practical skills, gaining experience in assay design, data analysis, and experimental planning. Additionally, students will receive comprehensive training in record-keeping and documentation of research using electronic laboratory notebooks. The curriculum comprehensively addresses key areas of contemporary drug discovery, including assay technologies, enzyme kinetics, biochemical principles, and receptor and ion channel pharmacology. This allows students to develop both biochemical and cell-based assays, allowing them to design rigorous experiments and interpret complex data effectively. By closely aligning practical training with core scientific concepts, this course prepares students thoroughly for advanced study and experimental work in their thesis laboratories.