This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Undergraduate Handbook 2006-2007 (archived)

Module BIOL3421: BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

BIOL3421: BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

Type	Level	Credits	Availability	Module Cap	Location
Tied	3	20	Available in 2006/2007	None.	Durham

Tied To

Pre-requisites

Level 1: Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology (BIOL1072) and Level 2: Cell Structure and Function (BIOL2211).

Corequisites

Cell Signalling and Protein Targeting; Development 2; Molecular Basis of Disease.

Excluded Combinations

Field Course.

Aims

To provide advanced training in the theory and practice of advanced imaging techniques for biological specimens.

Content

Theoretical content: The principles of transmission electron microscopy;
Sample preparation for transmission electron microscopy;
The principles of high resolution scanning electron microscopy;
Sample preparation for transmission electron microscopy;
The principles of epifluorescence and confocal microscopy;
Sample preparation for light microscopy;
FRET, FRAP and FLIP to measure protein behaviour in live cells.
Practical content: Project to provide team based investigation of a protein component or a multiprotein complex of a cellular structure or organelle at both the light and ultrastructural level.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge

By the end of the module the student should be able to: Understand the principles and use of microscopy in current cell biology research;
Understand how ligands and dyes can be used to investigate protein function in fixed and living cells;
Understand how sample preparation influences the results of an experiment;
Demonstrate competence in the use of microscopical techniques;
Acquire, interpret ad critically analyze experimental evidence and present results effectively.

Subject-specific Skills

Key Skills

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Taught Component: Teaching and learning in the component is primarily through the means of lectures and seminars. Additionally students will be provided with literature for an in depth case study. This mode of teaching and learning is important and efficient in acquiring knowledge and promotes understanding.
Practical Component: Teaching and learning in this component will be through a week long project in which the student will prepare and examine specimens using at least one advanced microscopic technique and compile and present data in the form of a poster. This form of teaching and learning ids important in acquiring competence and skills and advancing understanding by practical experience.
Knowledge will be formatively assessed through the use of MCQs and written tests and summatively by means of an extended essay.
Competence in the use of microscopy; recovery and interpretation of data will be assessed by means of written report and poster presentation.
Understanding will be assessed by means of an extended essay.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Duration	Total Hours
Lectures	8	8 hours	8
Seminars	4	4 hours	4
Other	1	1 week	35
Preparation and Reading			153
Total			200

Summative Assessment

Component	Component Weighting	Element	Element Weighting
Poster Presentation	20%	Poster	100%
Project Report	40%	Project Report	100%
Essay	40%	Essay	100%

Formative Assessment

MCQs.

Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.