Electronics and Signal Processing for Experimental Rigs

Semester: Spring

Year offered: 2025

REGISTRATION
Register HERE
Register by Friday, March 14

COURSE TEAM

Instructors:

Ofer Mazor, ofer_mazor@hms.harvard.edu

Pavel Gorelik, pavel_gorelik@hms.harvard.edu

Curriculum Fellow:

Cristina DeOliveira, cristina_deoliveira@hms.harvard.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION & OBJECTIVES

Biomedical researchers often build and use experimental rigs consisting of several interconnected electronic instruments. These rigs are typically used to make high-quality recordings of weak biological signals. The goal of this course is to demystify the rig: What does each instrument do? How should they be connected? How does one troubleshoot noise, or adjust settings in a principled way?

The course will focus on fundamental concepts in electronics and signal processing, covering both theory and practice. It does not require any prior electronics knowledge. Topics include: signal impedance, capacitance, amplifiers and opAmp circuits, mitigating noise, digitization, sampling rates, and aliasing. These topics should be broadly applicable to experimental biologists who use a rig to generate or record small, precise signals in the presence of noise. We will rely on hands-on assignments to reinforce the lecture content and build intuitive understanding.

After completing this nanocourse, students should feel more confident using the instruments on their rig and have a better sense for how signals flow between them. They should feel comfortable selecting appropriate settings for filters, amplification, and digitization (e.g., sampling rates) in order to minimize noise and maximize signal quality.

The course consists of three weekly sessions, each with a pre-recorded video lecture (to be watched independently, before class) and a self-paced electronics assignment during class time.

SPRING 2025 CLASS SCHEDULE

All classes meet in Warren Alpert 236. Class dates and times are:

Fri. March 28 (2–3:30pm): Basic Electronics

Fri. April 4 (2–3:30pm): Noise and OpAmps

Fri. April 11 (2–3:30pm): Digitization and Aliasing

ASSIGNMENTS

A 60–75 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. Students must bring a laptop to all classes or make prior arrangements with the instructors.

MILESTONE CREDIT

Students must watch all lectures, attend all three sessions, and complete all three assignments to earn Milestone Credit. More information about Milestone Credit can be found here.

ENROLLMENT LIMIT

Enrollment is limited to 20 participants.

REGISTRATION