autumn 2016 BIO-2106 Microscopical imaging Techniques - 10 ECTS

Type of course

The course is available for students at the study program Biologi, klima og miljø. The course is also available to exchange students at a biology study program. Due to restraints with the equipment, the maximum number of participants is 8.

Admission requirements

Nordic applicants: Admission requirements are generell studiekompetanse + REALFA.

Application code: 9336

International applicants: Higher Education Entrance Qualification and certified language requirements in English. A list of the requirements for the Higher Education Entrance Qualification in Norway can be found on the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education website - nokut.no  

All applicants: The course requires basic knowledge in biology and ecology at university level. Basic knowledge in chemistry and mathematics is an advantage.


Course content

Stereo microscope and light microscope are important tools to overcome the limitations of the limited resolving power of the human eye. As they are indispensible for the analysis of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, they form an integrative part of biological research.

The course will introduce standard and advanced techniques of light microscopy such as bright field microscopy, phase contrast microscopy and fluorescence microscopy. Strong emphasis will be on the practical part. We will use samples from the fields of microbiology, plant biology and zoology in order to demonstrate the handling of microscopes and familiarize the participating students with themaintenanceof the equipment. Besides the application of various microscopical techniques, we will also treat important related topics such as sample preparation (including fixation, sectioning and staining techniques) and the professional documentation of the results by microphotography. The theoretical part will convey the necessary background knowledge and will cover the composition of light and fluorescence microscopes, magnification and optical resolution, contrast improvement, specific dyes and staining techniques, autofluorescence and secondary fluorescence.

The results of the course will be presented in a small workshop in form of poster presentations and a discussion.


Objectives of the course

Students that have completed the course shall have the following learning outcome:
  • understand light microscopy as tool for classical and modern biological research
  • be comfortable and knowledgeable in working with microscopes
  • can select a suitable microscopic technique for a given scientific question
  • are familiar with preparation, layout and presentation of a poster concerning their research

Language of instruction and examination

English

Teaching methods

Lectures 10 hours, laboratory exercises and seminars 40 hours, poster design and workshop (incl. colloquium) 15 hours.

Assessment

The exam consist of a poster presentation at a workshop and a presentaion of relevant literature in a seminar (all on the same day). Grade: passed/failed.

In order to sit an examination, the student must complete and gain approval for any coursework requirements. Coursework requirements: Participation in lab and lectures, approved laboratory report. Implementation of an individual microscopy project

A re-sit exam will be arranged for this course.


Recommended reading/syllabus

Book chapters and articles; for details inquire at the Institute.

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  • About the course
  • Campus: Tromsø |
  • ECTS: 10
  • Course code: BIO-2106