Microscopy and image analysisLaajuus (3 ECTS)

Objective

The student knows the basics of optics from the point of view of microscopy. The student will be familiar with different microscopy techniques, preparing different microscopy samples and maintaining microscope equipments. The student can analyze microscopy images and other visual outputs from various laboratory methods.

Content

1. Basics of optics from the point of view of light microscopy
2. Light microscopy: structure, function and maintenance of the equipment. Fluorescense microscopy, confocal microscopy and electron microscopy.
3. Preparation of different microscopy samples
4. Digital image analysis and visualization in microscopy and other laboratory techniques involving digital image outputs

Qualifications

TX00AD19 Biomolecules

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

1. The student knows the basics of optics.
2. The student knows the principles of light microscopy.
3. The student can prepare different microscopy samples.
4. The student is familiar with typical image analysis programs and knows how a digital image is formed.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

1. The student knows the basics of optics and understands the role of optics in image formation and resolution.
2. The student knows the principles of different microscopy techniques.
3. The student can prepare different microscopy samples and is able to evaluate the success of preparation. The student can choose the right microscopy technique for each sample.
4. The student is able to measure various quantitative parameters form digital images such as intensities, size and particle number. The student is also able to save images in the proper format (resolution, file format and with adequate acquisition information) for publication purposes.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

1. The student knows the basics of optics, so that he/she is able to explain the function of different microscopy techniques from the point of view of optics. In addition, the student is able to use and apply his/her understanding in purchasing microscopes or microscope equipments.
2. The student can explain the principles of different microscopy techniques and is also able to compare different techniques with each other.
3. The student can prepare different microscopy samples and is able to evaluate the success of preparation and the reliability of the result. The student can choose the right microscopy technique for each microscopy sample and is able to suggest alternative sampling strategies.
4. The student is able to conduct numerical comparative analysis on digital images and understands the importance of image calibration when doing this. The student can visualize important information found from images for presentation and publication purposes, at the same time keeping in mind the danger of artificially altering the information contained in the image.