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Advanced Optical Imaging & Single-Molecule Biophysics

BIP40306

Over deze cursus

In this intensive course, students will learn and apply the working principles and concepts behind various advanced imaging and single-molecule techniques that have revolutionized the way we can monitor inter- and intra-molecular interactions in the life-, materials-, and food sciences. In the first part of the course, the theoretical and experimental background will be taught and practiced during lectures and tutorials. The second part of the course focuses on practical work and applications, offering the student hands-on experience with single-molecule experiments: The students will (1) build and design optical microscopes with the open UC2 microscopy platform, (2) track fluorescently labelled proteins (CRISPR-Cas) in live bacteria, (3) watch phagocytosis, and (4) use FRET as a molecular ruler to accurately determine nanometer distances within single DNA strands. Regarding experimental data analysis, the principles of image processing, interpretation of multi-dimensional datasets, and time trace analysis will be treated. All of this prepares the students for the third part of the course, where they will study, discuss, and present some of the latest literature of this dynamic research field. The course is concluded with a written exam.

Leerresultaten

  • Understand and apply state-of-the-art methodologies in (fluorescence) microscopy and single-molecule biophysics.

  • Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities that are required for research in the academic as well as industrial environment (R&D).

  • Be capable of understanding, explaining, and applying the principles of advanced imaging and single-molecule biophysics methods, including (1) optical phenomena and advanced microscopy (UC2), (2) monitoring phagocytosis (confocal scanning microscopy), (3) single-molecule Foerster resonance energy transfer (smFRET), and (4) single-molecule localisation microscopy and single-particle tracking (SMLM).

  • Understand the limitations and strengths of these techniques (achievable spatial and temporal resolution, contrast, information content and possible applications).

  • Understand and apply suitable image and data processing techniques.

  • Interpret and understand experimental results in terms of nanoscale information with a space and time component.

Toetsing

  • Assignment other (50%) Practicals: 50% build up of =>; 15% (CLSM) + 10% (UC2) + 15% (SMLM) + 10% (smFRET); The lecturers will grade their respective parts of the course and pay attention to execution of problems and experiments, understanding of the methods, active participation, quality of the reports, presentation of the results and conclusions of the projects.
  • Assignment oral presentation (20%) Presentation of recent literature
  • Written test with open questions (30%) Concepts taught in lectures and during the practicals

Voorkennis

ZSS06100 Laboratory Safety BIP24306Spectroscopy and Imaging;
BIP32803 Biophysical Imaging.
Analytical chemistry or similar courses that provide a basic understanding of molecular life sciences / biophysical chemistry topics

Bronnen

  • The course material will be provided on MS Teams / Brightspace

Aanvullende informatie

cursus
6 ECTS
  • Niveau
    master
  • Instructievorm
    op de campus
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Startdata

  • 11 mei 2026

    tot 5 jul 2026

    VoertaalEngels
    Periode *P6
    Period 6 afternoon
    Inschrijven voor 5 apr, 23:59
Dit aanbod is voor studenten van TU Eindhoven