Examination arrangement

Course content

The course gives in depth description of different types of instrumentation such as light
microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, optical tweezers and atomic force
microscopy that are important for studying individual biological macromolecules, cells and
other soft materials The course focuses on understanding the underlying principal of lightspecimen
and force-specimen interactions, and the design of essential components of the
instrumentation as well as a theoretical and practical understanding of how to operate the
instruments. For each instrument, the presentation of its components and the operation
principles will be followed by examples of high quality recent research data obtained when
using similar types of instrumentation.

Learning outcome

The learning outcomes are outlined in the following:
The student should have knowledge concerning the mechanism of light-biological specimen interactions, including also molecular excitation and de-excitation. The student should have knowledge about the central techniques within light-microscopy as well as practical knowledge concerning the operation of a selection of these techniques. This
includes an understanding of the construction, mode of function as well as application area of the following microscopy techniques:

- Bright field microscopy with different contrast techniques (phase contrast-, differential interference-, polarisation-, dark field-, reflection interference contrast microscopy)

- Epi-illumination microscopy, including fluorescence microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, multiphoton microscopy.

- Total internal reflection interference microscopy
- Super resolution optical microscopy

The student should have knowledge concerning the design and mode of function of flowcytometry.
The student should have knowledge concerning the mode of function of different detectors used in the instrumentation presented.

- Photomultiplier tubes, photodiodes, video camera, CCD camera
The student should have knowledge concerning the mechanism of force-biological specimen interactions. This includes an understanding of the application of force as a tool to understand intra- and intermolecular aspects of various biological specimens, knowledge related to the
nature of forces important for biological interactions, as well as the analysis and interpretation of data obtained through dynamic force spectroscopy.
The student should have knowledge concerning the construction, mode of function and application area of optical tweezers, as well as practical knowledge concerning the operation of this instrument.

- Knowledge of the processes underlying the trapping of particles with light

- Understanding of the determination of forces using optical tweezers.
The student should have knowledge concerning the construction, mode of function and application area of atomic force microscopy. This includes knowledge concerning:

- Contact mode, non-contact mode, operation in liquid
- Image processing of topographs.
- Force spectroscopy of single molecules
- Elasticity measurements on soft samples

The student should have skills concerning interpretation and presentation of scientific data obtained during the practical work in the laboratory. The student should have skills concerning reading of research literature and both written and oral presentation of the content of this literature.

Learning methods and activities

42 hour lectures and 7 hour practical training in the laboratory. The practical training will be
divided into 4 sessions related to the topics light microscopy, fluorescence - and confocal
microscopy, optical tweezers and atomic force microscopy.
 
The course is organized in two sessions, each of five days and will be offered every two years (2013, 2015). In 2013 the course was taught in the weeks 42 and 46.
 
The exam may be changed to oral depending on the number of students.
The course will only be given if there are more than 10 students registered for the course.Students must express their interest before august 1st, as the course might be cancelled if there are not enough participants.

Compulsory assignments

• Lab Reports

Recommended previous knowledge

This course aims to provide PhD level training in light and force based molecular imaging to
PhD students with various backgrounds such as biophysics, bionanotechnology,
biotechnology, molecular biology, medicine and other potential users of the techniques
presented. Former experience in the use of the techniques will be useful. Some basic
understanding of physics and optics is needed in order to have full outcome of the lectures.
Students who do not possess this knowledge will have to obtain it themselves. Suggestions for
study material to provide the necessary background may be obtained from the lecturers upon
request.

Course materials

Compendium: Biophysical Nanotechnologies. Authors: Sletmoen, Davies and Stokke. The
compendium is available at the Dept of physics, NTNU.

Credit reductions