Electronics and Signal Processing for Experimental Rigs

Semester: Spring
|
Year offered: 2026

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. 

Lectures

An hour-long video lecture will be assigned prior to each class. Students are expected watch the entire lecture before the class session begins. 

Assignments

Each class will consist of a lecture review followed by an in-class assignment. Assignments involve wiring up a small electrical circuits and answering questions about their behavior.

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

Course Team

Instructors:

Ofer Mazor, ofer_mazor@hms.harvard.edu 

Pavel Gorelik, pavel_gorelik@hms.harvard.edu 

Class Schedule

Time: 3:00PM – 4:30PM

Dates:

  • Session 1: Mon. April 27: Basic Electronics
  • Session 2: May 4: Noise and OpAmps
  • Session 3: Mon. May 11: Digitization and Aliasing

Room location & building: All classes meet in Warren Alpert 236.

Milestone Credit

To receive Milestone credit, students must complete all of the following:

  • Watch all lectures
  • Attend all three sessions
  • Complete all three assignments

HMS-based PhD students and select HMS Masters students can combine Nanocourses for credit. More information about Milestone Credit can be found here.

Enrollment Limit & Registration

Enrollment is limited to 20 participants.

Registration priority will be given to HMS-based PhD students and select HMS Master’s students who are taking the course for credit. You will receive an email confirming your enrollment. If the course is full, you will be placed on a waitlist and notified by email. More information can be found here.

Register HERE: https://hms.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bOXtb9PFlzbQofA

The registration deadline is Monday, April 20.

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