Advanced Microscopy and Probes

Course Type
Postgraduate, Module

Module Overview

The aim of this module is to achieve a deeper understanding of advanced bioimaging and single-molecule microscopy techniques and their applications in biomedical research. Based on the “Foundations of Microscopy and Probes” this module will explore technical details of advanced bioimaging and allow students to evaluate recent developments in the field. In conjunction with the  module “Biomedical Applications of Quantitative Bioimaging” this will equip students with the knowledge and understanding required to carry out their research projects. 

The module consists of a series of lectures and tutorials covering established techniques, such as super-resolution microscopy, single-particle tracking and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy along with sessions on dedicated fluorescent probes, their photo-physics and labelling approaches. In tutorials and practical sessions students will gain a more detailed understanding and hands-on experience. Finally, the students will explore ongoing developments in the field of advanced bioimaging in student led presentations of recent publications. These may include important technical developments as well applications showcasing the potential of a technique. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module students should be able to:

  1. Describe the principles of advanced bioimaging techniques
  2. Explain the underlying photo-physical and optical concepts of advanced and single molecule microscopies
  3. Review the key requirements of fluorophores for the different techniques
  4. Be able to critically review the literature on development and application of advanced bioimaging techniques to biomedical problems
  5. Analyse and critically interpret experimental data to demonstrate their understanding of the techniques

Module Attendance

The module will be delivered in the teaching areas of the Medical School and via online formats.

Module Dates

Semester 2 - January

Assessment

  • 50% unseen written examination (to assess outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4)
  • 50% practical report (to assess outcomes 2 & 5)

Academics involved in the delivery of this module

Module Lead: Professor Dirk-Peter Herten
Deputy Lead: Zsombor Koszegi