Research Methods in Microscopy

Code:

CB4005

Acronym:

CB4005

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Biological Sciences

Instance: 2017/2018 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Microscopy
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Biochemistry

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
M:BQ	3	Plano de Estudos do MBIOQ_2013-2014	1	-	6	56	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

Acquisition of general knowledge in microscopy techniques.

It seeks to equip students with the skills needed for the correct application of microscopy techniques in solving specific problems of scientific research. Students should be able to perform the basic techniques in optical and electronic transmission microscopy, knowing analyze and interpret the results.

Learning outcomes and competences

During the laboratory classes, students establish direct contact with concrete methodologies and updated microscopy associated with laboratory research in order to complete their training at the level of knowledge previously acquired either during tutorial lectures or by self-learning (autonomous and self-study out of hours contact established by the course).

The wide range of microscopy techniques described in the content will allow students to acquire skills that are applicable in various areas of Biosciences.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

None

Program

1 - The different types of microscopes, their characteristics and applications:

Bright field, dark background, phase contrast and differential interference contrast. Fluorescence, confocal and two-photon. Electronic transmission, scanning, tunneling and atomic force.

2 - Preparation of biological material for optic and electronic microscopic observation:

Fixation by immersion and perfusion, washing, post-fixation, dehydration, impregnation, inclusion, semithin and ultrathin sections, staining.

3 - Special techniques:

Histochemical techniques in semithin sections, for location of proteins, polysaccharides and lipids in optic microscopy. Techniques for cytochemical localization of nucleic acids, proteins, polysaccharides in transmission electron microscopy. Techniques for localization of enzymatic activities. Negative staining. Autoradiography. Cryofracture and other cryopreservation techniques. Immuno-cytochemistry. Stereological methods. Cytogenetic techniques.

4 - Image:
Formation, digital, processing and analysis.

Mandatory literature

Bozzola John J.; Electron microscopy. ISBN: 978-0-7637-0192-5
Pawley JB; Handbook of Biological Confocal Microscopy, Pawley JB, 1995
Murphy DB and Davidson MW; Fundamentals of Light Microscopy and Eletronic Imaging, 2013
Goldstein J, Newbury D, Joy D, Lyman C, Echlin P, Sawyer L, Michael J; Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis, 2003
Heath O. V. S.; Investigation by experiment
Eaton P and West P; Atomic Force Microscopy, 2010

Comments from the literature

PubMed International Indexed Articles

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical explanations supported by audiovisual means.

Laboratory teaching giving students the opportunity to acquire practice in microscopy techniques.

External Visiting:

-CEMUP: scanning eletron microscope

-I3S: atomic force microscope and flow cytometer; confocal microscope with support of a specialized Engineer of Olympus

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	70,00
Participação presencial	15,00
Trabalho laboratorial	15,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	28,00
Frequência das aulas	28,00
Trabalho laboratorial	28,00
Total:	84,00

Eligibility for exams

According to University of Porto regulations.

Calculation formula of final grade

Note of final exam X 0.70 + personal attendance X 0.15 + laboratory work X 0.15 

Examinations or Special Assignments

None

Internship work/project

None

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

None

Classification improvement

Examination at the time of appeal

Observations