Imaging Biological Systems - Practical Applications

Students will acquire the fundamental knowledge and advanced techniques of microscopy that enable them to push the boundaries of knowledge in biology. The teaching is progressive and modular, built entirely around practical projects: constructing 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. The program will require significant personal investment through experimental projects, article analysis, 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 microscopy tools as well as more advanced 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 machinery, etc.)
• Physics: Concepts of optics (thin lenses, geometric optics, diffraction/interference, waves, Fourier space), thermodynamics, statistical physics. Basic concepts of physics (harmonic oscillator).

Recommended prerequisites: 

Bootcamp (HAV704V)

• oral presentations
• written reports

• Microscopy: microscope anatomy, conventional, confocal, and TIRF microscopy, super-resolution, atomic force microscopy, optical tweezers manipulation.
• Construction of a microscope: 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 their work in an oral presentation to the other groups and in 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 through manipulation with optical tweezers.