Research Methods in Microscopy

Code:

CB4005

Acronym:

CB4005

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Biological Sciences

Instance: 2021/2022 - 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	10	Plano de Estudos do MBIOQ_2013-2014	1	-	6	56	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

With this curricular unit it is intended that the students:

- acquire general methodological concepts and knowledge on microscopy techniques.

- be equipped with the necessary skills to correctly apply the techniques of microscopy in solving specific problems of scientific research.

- be able to perform the basic laboratory techniques in optical (MO) and electronic transmission (TEM) microscopy, dominating the analysis and interpretation of the obtained results, as well as being able to reliably reproduce them.

Learning outcomes and competences

After the frequency of this curricular unit, where the students establish direct contact with concrete and updated microscopy methodologies associated to the laboratory investigation in order to complete their training at the level of knowledge acquired previously either during the tutorial classes or through self-learning (individual study and autonomous outside the contact hours established by the curricular unit), they must:

- to acquire skills that can be applied in various areas of Biosciences, both in terms of scientific research and diagnosis.

- be capable of processing diverse biological samples for optical microscopy based on different objectives.

- be able to process diversified biological samples for electron microscopy based on different objectives.

- to master complementary cytological and histological techniques of investigation and diagnosis.

- be capable of processing and analyzing digital images of microscopy.

Working method

Presencial

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

None

Program

The curricular unit is constituted by a theoretical-practical approach, where the theoretical program content will precede the corresponding practical program content.

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

Bright field, dark background, phase contrast and differential interference contrast. Fluorescence, confocal and two photons. Electronic transmission, scanning, tunnel effect and atomic force.

2 - Preparation and processing of biological material for observation in optical and electronic microscopy:

Cytological and histological collection applied to animal experimentation and diagnosis, fixation by immersion and perfusion, impregnation and inclusion in paraffin and EPON, microtomy and ultramicrotomy, staining and staining.

3 - Special techniques:

Histochemical techniques in semifinished sections for localization of proteins, polysaccharides and lipids in OM. Cytochemical techniques for localization of nucleic acids, proteins, polysaccharides in TEM. Techniques for locating enzymatic activities. Negative contrast. Autoradiography. Cryofracture and other cryopreservation techniques. Immuno-cytochemistry. Immunofluorescence. Stereological methods. Cytogenetic techniques.

4- Picture:
Training, 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

Blended-learning with synchronous and asynchronous activities.

Theoretical teaching with exposition of material supported by audiovisual means.

Laboratory teaching giving students the possibility of acquiring practice in the execution of microscopy techniques.

External visits:

- CEMUP: Scanning Electron Microscope

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

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	60,00
Participação presencial	15,00
Trabalho laboratorial	15,00
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	10,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	20,00
Frequência das aulas	56,00
Trabalho laboratorial	28,00
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	8,00
Total:	112,00

Eligibility for exams

According to University of Porto regulations.

Attendance of at least 75% of practical classes.

Exception situations provided for in the legislation are, of course, covered.

Calculation formula of final grade

Note of final exam X 0.60 + personal attendance X 0.15 + laboratory work X 0.15 + presentation of scientific article X 0.10

Passing the Microscopy Research Techniques Course requires a grade of 9.5 or higher in the final exam.

Examinations or Special Assignments

Presentation of scientific article.

Internship work/project

No internship or project work is planned.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Those provided for in the University of Porto Pedagogical Evaluation and Guidance Standards, to be held on dates set by the ICBAS Pedagogical Council.

Classification improvement

The classification improvement of the final exam (appeal exam) will be performed on the dates to be defined by the Pedagogical Council.



Improvement in classifications in classroom participation and laboratory work are not foreseen by the University of Porto regulations.

Observations

 As a result, the evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic, or the UC reading model, adapts to an agreement with the UPorto guidelines, in case it verifies whether it is necessary.

However, the UC will return to work with up to 8 students enrolled.