Module BIOL3421: Biological Imaging

Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

BIOL3421: Biological Imaging

Prerequisites

• Satisfactory completion of Level 2 Biological Sciences course.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• 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: 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

• 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 and critically analyze experimental evidence and present results effectively.

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. 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 the preparation and examination of specimens using each advanced microscopic technique and compile and present data in the form of a poster. This form of teaching and learning is important in acquiring competence and skills and advancing understanding by practical experience.
• Knowledge will be summatively assessed 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

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

MCQs.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University