Imaging Biologicals Systems - Praticals

Students will acquire the fundamental basis and advanced microscopy techniques that allow them to push the limits of knowledge in biology. The teaching is progressive and modular, entirely built around practical projects: building a simple microscope, using advanced microscopes to study complex biological processes in bacteria and eukaryotes. Students will be immersed in a stimulating scientific environment. The training will rely on a significant personal investment through experimental projects, paper 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 for the analysis of 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 notions of physics (harmonic oscillator).

Recommended prerequisites: 

Bootcamp (HAV704V)

• oral presentations
• written reports

• Microscopy: microscope anatomy, conventional, confocal and TIRF microscopies, super-resolution, atomic force microscopy, optical forceps manipulation.
• 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 their work in an oral presentation to the other groups + 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 by fluorescence spectroscopies (FCS, RICS, B&W) 
  • Nuclear organization in human cells by super-resolution microscopy (STORM).
  • Study of the properties of biological membranes by atomic force microscopy (AFM)
  • Bacterial motility by manipulation with optical tweezers.