Module BIOL4081: BIOLOGICAL IMAGING (4)

Department: Biosciences

BIOL4081: BIOLOGICAL IMAGING (4)

Prerequisites

• • Satisfactory completion of level 3 of the Biology and Physics MSci degree (FGC0).

Corequisites

• • Biophysical Research Project (S) BIOL4071 OR Biophysical Research Project (T) BIOL4063.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To provide advanced training in the theory and practice of advanced imaging techniques for biophysical analyses.
• To gain expertise in image acquisition and analysis for biophysical studies.

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; o 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

• Knowledge of the principles and use of microscopy in current biophysical research.
• Knowledge of the use of ligands and dyes to investigate protein structure-function relationships in fixed and living cells.
• Knowledge of the importance of how sample preparation influences the results of an experiment .

• Demonstrated competence in the selection and application of microscopical techniques.
• Presentation of the results of practical research in report form.
• Acquisition, interpretation and critical analysis, to the limits of existing knowledge, of experimental evidence obtained through imaging techniques.

• Literacy, in being able to consult and extract information from printed and on-line archives.
• Communication skills, in presenting report.
• IT skills, in use of image manipulation software and online data bases.
• Self-motivation, in self-guided learning, independent work on report.

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

• Taught Component:
• Teaching and learning in this component is primarily through the means of lectures and seminars. This mode of teaching and learning is efficient in acquiring knowledge and promotes understanding.
• Practical Component: Teaching and learning in this component will be through "hands on" demonstration of preparation and examination of specimens using advanced microscopic techniques. This form of teaching and learning is important in acquiring competence and skills and advancing understanding by practical experience.
• Knowledge and understanding will be summatively assessed by means of an examination.
• Competence in the use of microscopy, recovery, interpretation and presentation of data will be assessed by means of a written report and poster presentation.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

In course short question tests.

■ 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