Arduino For Biologists: Building Scientific Instruments Using Arduino

Course description: 

The Arduino is a powerful and inexpensive digital microcontroller that can be used to develop custom lab instruments. Many tasks that used to require a PC or expensive hardware can be put together with an Arduino and tens of dollars worth of parts. Developing microcontroller-based tools allows researchers to automate and scale up aspects of their research that were previously unfeasible.  

This nanocourse will cover the basics of programming an Arduino microcontroller and interfacing with sensors and actuators in order to build simple lab instruments. During the lectures, we will explain how a microcontroller works and cover basic topics in electronics and programming. In the homework assignments and hands-on portion of the class, students will learn how to design, build, and debug small projects of their own. 

After completing this nanocourse, students should feel comfortable using the Arduino and other electronic parts to build new instruments for their research. 

Fall 2025 class schedule: 

Wed. Dec 3 (3–4:30pm):  Intro to the Arduino 

Mon. Dec 8 (3–4:30pm):  Basic electronics, sensors and actuators 

Mon. Dec 15 (3–4:30pm):  Programming the Arduino 

All classes meet in Warren Alpert 236  

Prerequisites: 

Some basic programming experience (e.g., for-loops, if-statements) is required. 

Assignments 

A 45 minute video lecture will be assigned prior to each class. Students are expected watch the entire lecture before the class session begins. Classroom time will be devoted to working on in-class assignments. 

Milestone credit  

Students must watch all lectures, attend all three sessions, and complete all three assignments to earn Milestone Credit. 

Students can combine Nanocourses for credit. More information can be found here. 

Enrollment: 

Because of the hands-on nature of the class, enrollment is limited to 20. 

Preference will be given to members of the Department of Neurobiology. 

Instructors: 

Ofer Mazor, ofer_mazor@hms.harvard.edu  

Pavel Gorelik, pavel_gorelik@hms.harvard.edu  

Registration link & deadline: 

Please register using this link by Monday November 24.

https://hms.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2hnn6YYbbUlZHds 

** Please bring a laptop to all classes or make prior arrangements with the instructors. **