This course provides an introduction to building and using optics- and electronics-based instrumentation for laboratory research, as well as for implementing custom software control. Class topics include passive electronic components, diodes and transistors, operational amplifiers, analogue-to-digital conversion, light sources and detectors, reflectors, refractors, polarizers, diffractors, and many others. Classes are supplemented by laboratories in which students work in teams to build fluorescent detection systems for chromatography over the course of several weeks. (Lab Materials Fee: $25).