Imaging Biologicals Systems - Practical Applications

Students will master the fundamental principles and advanced techniques of microscopy, enabling them to push the boundaries of knowledge in biology. The curriculum is progressive and modular, built entirely around hands-on projects: building a simple microscope and using state-of-the-art microscopes to study complex biological processes in bacteria and eukaryotes. Students will be immersed in a stimulating scientific environment. The program will require significant personal investment through experimental projects, analysis of scientific articles, and case studies. Communication skills will also be developed through oral presentations and written reports.

Theoretical and practical training in the use of various basic and more advanced microscopy tools used for the analysis of biological samples (single molecules, living systems, and synthetic systems).

• English: Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Biology: Fundamentals of Cell Biology (Cell Structure, Gene Replication and Expression, Molecular Machines, etc.)
• Physics: Concepts in optics (thin lenses, geometric optics, diffraction/interference, waves, Fourier space), thermodynamics, and statistical physics. Basic concepts in physics (harmonic oscillator).

Recommended prerequisites: 

Boot Camp (HAV704V)

• oral presentations
• written reports

• Microscopy: anatomy of the microscope; conventional, confocal, and TIRF microscopy; super-resolution; atomic force microscopy; manipulation using optical tweezers.
• Microscope Construction: Design and Implementation of a Simple Imaging Instrument (TIRF microscope, confocal microscope, AFM). Students will work in small groups (2–3) to design and assemble an optical setup. Each group will present its work in an oral presentation to the other groups and submit a written report.
• Study of biological processes using advanced microscopy techniques. Sample preparation, data acquisition, analysis, interpretation, and critical discussion of the results obtained. The proposed projects will cover the following topics:
  • Dynamics of Bacterial Transcription Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy (FCS, RICS, N&B) 
  • Organization of the nucleus in human cells using super-resolution microscopy (STORM).
  • Study of the Properties of Biological Membranes Using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
  • Bacterial motility controlled by optical tweezers.