| Course Description: |
This course explores the powerful intersection of Physics, Biological science, and Imaging technologies. Basic principles of optics such as the nature of light, diffraction, refraction, the nature of lenses, and the design of the light microscope will be covered in this course. We will discuss phase contrast, dark field, interference contrast, and modulation contrast, as well as polarization and fluorescence microscopy. Different types of microscopes and imaging technologies and their use in biological sciences including dissecting, compound, scanning and transmission electron microscopes, positron emission tomography, single photon emission computed tomography, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, optical imaging, stereology and 3D imaging, optical microscopy, nanoscopy, live cell and whole animal imaging techniques, cytogenetics, X-ray crystallography and imaging in forensic science and their use in diagnostic pathology will be discussed. Some of the lectures will be complemented by laboratory sessions demonstrating these systems. As a result, students will have the opportunity for hands-on experience with state-of-the-art optical, electronic, and digital imaging equipment guided by an experienced staff from the University, hospitals, research facilities, government agencies as well as the industry. This course will focus on the theory, application and implementation of different imaging techniques, and more importantly, on application of biological experimentation relevant to modern biological research or clinical biochemical studies and the common real-life research goal in the industry, hospitals and research laboratories. |
| Evaluation: |
Four methods of evaluation will be used:
1) 10% Participation in Lectures and Laboratory Sessions
2) 25% Midterm Test
The mark will be based on a 40-minute short multiple-choice midterm test (before the course drop-deadline). The exam should be based on the first five lectures.
3) 35% Written Grant Proposal
The grant proposal will be in IRAP (Industrial Research Assistance Program) Small Project Grant-format. The grant proposal should include at least one imaging technology (max 4000 words). The application will be assessed on the basis of scientific merit and will be reviewed and judged based on: (1) how original the project is, (2) how well the project is planned, (3) how well the proposal budget is developed, and (4) what are the benefits that may result from this project? Course participants are encouraged to seek mentorship from an imaging technology expert for the specific method used in their grant proposal.
4) 30% Oral Presentation
The mark will be based on oral presentation of the grant application. The presentation will be judged based on: (1) is the message of the presentation concise and well articulated? (2) is the presentation well structured? (3) does the presenter present her own point of view in an appropriate manner? (4) is the response to questions and comments competent, accurate and adequate? (5) is there sufficient evidence presented to support the argument? (6) is there evidence of acceptable critical thinking? (7) is the presentation original or creative in some way? (8) is time keeping managed well? |
