• Home
• Study
• Study Information
• Modules
• Module Information

Bioimaging

Module description

During Part 1 (weeks 1-8) the module aims to give a comprehensive overview of the wide range of approaches used in imaging biological systems, their advantages and disadvantages and look at current examples of how these techniques are being used in cutting-edge research. During Part 2 (weeks 9-12), the module will allow students to specialise in advanced Bioimaging applications.

The module will cover both practical and theoretical aspects of bioimaging and will involve a range of lectures, seminars and practical workshops where students can use some of the most modern imaging equipment available.

You will study live cell imaging using confocal and fluorescence microscopy, imaging for molecular dynamics, and also electron- and cryo-microscopy techniques. You will also learn how to use advanced imaging software to extract, analyse and quantify image data.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The module aims to:

• Teach the use of bioimaging technologies to answer biological questions;
• Provide contemporary, ‘front-line’ examples of research case studies using the latest techniques in light and electron microscopy;
• Maximise your opportunities to be taught by leading technology specialists in each respective area;
• Give hands-on experience of optical transmission microscopy, laser scanning confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (the exact selection of microscopes available could depend upon equipment availability and maintenance).
• Highlight the importance of image analysis and quantitative imaging.
• Allow you to lead research discussions and plan your own research programmes.

The skills you gain through this module will develop and enhance your employability. Transferable skills to other sectors include:

• Problem-solving (linking theory to practice, responding to novel and unfamiliar problems, data handling);
• Time management (managing time effectively individually and within a group);
• Self and peer review (taking responsibility for own learning, using feedback from multiple sources).

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Choose appropriate ‘front-line’ imaging modalities to investigate a biological problem
• 2. Make ‘hands-on’ use of optical transmission microscopy, laser scanning confocal microscopy and electron microscopy to take publication-standard images for analysis and presentation
• 3. Use FIJI or ICY or commercial image analysis packages to quantify image data.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. With reference to primary literature, evaluate how technological developments in bioimaging drive the field forward and how new imaging techniques transition from publications showcasing their development to commercialisation and mainstream usage
• 5. Identify a biological question that can be addressed using bioimaging (combined with other techniques where appropriate) and produce a project proposal to describe and promote your research plan
• 6. Independently analyse and evaluate a range of research-informed literature in bioimaging and synthesise research-informed examples from the literature into written work

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 7. Effectively communicate arguments, evidence and conclusions using written means in a manner appropriate to the intended audience
• 8. Undertake problem solving activities
• 9. Demonstrate competency in operating advanced microscopes

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

• Live cell imaging techniques
  • History, context and challenges
  • Theory and applications of fluorescence microscopy
  • Theory and applications of confocal microscopy
  • Image resolution and optimisation of optical performance
  • Imaging for molecular dynamics and super-resolution
  • Image analysis in FIJI/ImageJ
• Cryo- and electron-microscopy techniques
  • History, context and challenges
  • Theory and applications of SEM and TEM
  • Theory and applications of cryo-EM
• Atomic Force Microscopy
  • Theory and practice

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons that are approved by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. If deferred, the format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). The mark given for a deferred assessment will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral - if you have failed the module (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) and the module cannot be condoned, you will be required to complete a re-assessment for each of the failed components on the module. The format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). If you pass the module following re-assessment, your module mark will be capped at 50%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Some key reading materials will be specified with the introduction of each technology.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• Web-based and electronic resources will be made available via the module ELE page.

Key words search

Bioimaging, microscopy, confocal, SEM, TEM, SMLM, Lightsheet, FLIM