Course content

The course gives an introduction into the mode of different types of instrumentation that is important for studies of biological macromolecules, cells and other soft materials. The course aims at providing an understanding of the mode of function of the components that the instrumentation consists of as well as a theoretical and practical understanding of how to operate the instrument, including i.e. calibration prosedures and mantenence. For each instrument the presentation of the components and the operation principles will be followed by examples of high quality resent researchdata obtained when using the instrumentation.

Learning outcome

The student should have knowledge oconcerning the mechanism of molecular exitation and deexitation as well as understand the interaction between light and biological samples.

The student should have knowledge about the central techniques within lightmicrosopy 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 (Phasecontrast-, Differentiel interference-, Modulationcontrast-, Polarisation-, Darkfield-, Reflection interference contrast microscopy (RICM)).
• Epiilluminationmicroscopy, including Fluorescencemicroscopy, Confocal laser sanning microskopy, Multiphotonmicroskopy.
• Total internal reflection interference microskopy
• Stimulated emission depletion microscopy (STED).
• Nearfield microscopy.

The student should have knowledge concerning the design and moe of funtion of Flowcytometry.

The student should have knowledge concerning the mode of function of the following detectors: The human eye, Photon multiplicator tubes (PMT), Photodiodes, Videocamera, CCD camera.

The student should have knowledge concerning the construction, mode of function and application area of optical tweezers. This includes knowledge concerning the prosesses underlying the trapping of particles with light as well as an 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 microsscpy. This includes knowledge converning intermolecular forces, different imaging modes and dynamic force spectroscopy.

The student should have knowledge concerning electronmicroscopy and its use for the study of biological samples. This includes knowledge concerning the interaction electrons – biological samples, electron optics, transmission electronmicroscopy (TEM), scanning elektronmicroscopy (SEM), scanning transmission electronmicroscopy (STEM) and preparation techniques for electronmicroscopy.

The student should have knowledge concerning bionanophotonics and microarray technology (DNA and protein microarrays).

The student should have skills concerning interpretation and presentation of scientific data obtained during the pratical 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

Lectures and laboratory excercises. Teaching will be in English if students on international master programs are attending the course. Portfolio assessment is the basis for the grade in the course. The portfolio includes a final written exam (80%) and exercises (20%). The results for the parts are given in %-scores, while the entire portfolio is assigned a letter grade. A re-sit examination may be changed from written to oral.

Compulsory assignments

• Laboratory Exercises and Report

Recommended previous knowledge

Background in Cell biology.

Course materials

Compendium.

Credit reductions