A Flexible Laboratory Exercise Introducing Practical Aspects of Mean Squared Displacement

Abstract

Mean squared displacement is a standard biophysical tool for characterizing the motion of particles in a thermally dominated environment, yet it is rarely formally introduced or discussed in undergraduate curriculum. Here, we provide a flexible and adaptable experimental or computational lab activity that provides a practical introduction to mean squared displacement and anomalous diffusion that includes optional experimental protocols and computational simulation techniques for data collection and discusses a variety of analysis techniques. This lab activity has been implemented both face-to-face and completely online and provides crucial experience in important research techniques, helping to bridge traditional undergraduate curriculum and modern biophysics research.