Cell biology and technology

Specific objectives –Module 1 Knowledge and ability to understand. Specific objectives include: • Learning and understanding the basic principles of bright-field and fluorescence microscopy in their biological applications. • Acquiring knowledge about imaging methodologies and equipment. • Getting acquainted with the theoretical and practical significance of imaging methodologies for the understanding of the mechanisms governing cell cycle and cell death and differentiation. • Acquiring basic knowledge for the use of image analysis softwares. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. To make students familiar with the basic principles and modern instrumentations of bright-field, fluorescence and time-lapse video microscopy techniques applied to the study of cell dynamics. Moreover, by means of practical exercises, students will be introduced to planning, execution and analysis of experiments based on the studied techniques. Making judgments: Students, through the study of sector literature and of examples of applications of imaging in the biomedical field, acquire an autonomous ability to interpret experimental data and to place them, critically, within the framework of the knowledge already acquired. Communication skills: Students learn to use appropriate scientific terminology for the presentation of the results of cell imaging experiments to both a lay public and to experts. Learning skills: The ability to learn is stimulated by continuous reference to the knowledge acquired and to the methodologies used for its enhancement as well as by constant cross talk between the two modules. At the end of the course students will be able to identify the most appropriate methods and equipments for the investigation of cellular phenomena, such as cell proliferation and death in the field of cell imaging.