Course content

The course gives an introduction to different types of instrumentation that are important for studies of biological macromolecules, cells, and other soft materials. The course provides an understanding of the function of the components that the instrumentation consists of, as well as a theoretical and practical understanding of how to operate the instrument, including calibration procedures and maintenance.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The candidate should have knowledge about

• properties of optical radiation and key interactions between light and matter that are relevant for the techniques presented in the course.
• basic geometrical optics and wave optics.
• the most central optical imaging techniques for biological samples (bright field microscopy and various contrast techniques, fluorescence microscopy, multiphoton microscopy, superresolution microscopy and others.)
• other optical techniques used for biological samples like FCS, FRAP and FRET and others.
• preparation of samples for optical techniques, including various staining procedures.
• interactions between electrons and biological materials.
• various electron microscopy techniques like SEM, TEM, STEM and analytic methods.
• preparation of samples for electron microscopy.

Skills:

The candidate should have skills within the use of common microscopy techniques like bright field microscopy with various contrast mechanisms and confocal microscopy.

General competence:

The candidate should through the course develop competency in

• searching and reading scientific literature.
• oral presentation of scientific studies.
• writing scientific texts.
• collaboration.
• preparation of scientific poster.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and laboratory exercises. Expected workload in the course is 225 hours.

Compulsory assignments

• Laboratory exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

Background in cell biology. Basic physics at the university level.

Course materials

Various written texts (book chapters, compendium, papers).

Credit reductions