Imaging Biologicals Systems - Praticals

Students will acquire the fundamental basis and advanced microscopy techniques needed to push back the boundaries of knowledge in biology. Teaching is progressive and modular, built entirely around practical projects: building a simple microscope, using state-of-the-art microscopes to study complex biological processes in bacteria and eukaryotes. Students will be immersed in a stimulating scientific environment. Training will be based on significant personal investment through experimental projects, article reviews and case studies. Communication skills will also be developed through oral presentations and written reports.

Theoretical and practical training in the various basic microscopy tools, as well as more advanced tools used to analyze biological samples (single molecules, living systems and synthetic systems).

• English: Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Biology: basics of cell biology (cell structure, gene replication and expression, molecular machines, etc.).
• Physics: Notions of optics (thin lenses, geometric optics, diffraction/interference, waves, Fourier space), thermodynamics, statistical physics. Basic physics (harmonic oscillator).

Recommended prerequisites : 

Bootcamp (HAV704V)

• oral presentations
• written reports

• Microscopy: microscope anatomy, conventional, confocal and TIRF microscopy, super-resolution, atomic force microscopy, handling with optical tweezers.
• Microscope construction: design + implementation of a simple imaging instrument (TIRF, confocal, AFM microscope). 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 + written report.
• Study biological processes using advanced microscopy techniques. Sample preparation, data acquisition, analysis, interpretation and critical discussion of the results obtained. Proposed projects will cover the following topics:
  • Dynamics of bacterial transcription using fluorescence spectroscopy (FCS, RICS, B&W) 
  • Organization of the nucleus in human cells by super-resolution microscopy (STORM).
  • Study of the properties of biological membranes using atomic force microscopy (AFM)
  • Bacterial motility manipulated with optical tweezers.