Entry requirements

Alternative 1: 120 credits. Participation in Computer Programming I, Introduction to Statistics for Life Sciences and Introduction to Modern Physics. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Alternative 2: 120 credits. 5 credits programming and participation in Introduction to Biochemistry and Introduction to Molecular Biology. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Alternative 3: 120 credits within the Master's Programme in Molecular Biotechnology Engineering including Cell Biology, Computer Programming I and Applied Physics for Molecular Biotechnology. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, students should be able to:

• give an account of basic physical properties of light and the most important interactions between light and matter and their use in biophysics
• analyse paradigmatic light-driven biological phenomena
• simulate and use optical microscopy and light-based imaging techniques
• use calculation tools to interpret image data
• relate the latest developments in optical microscopy to their consequences in biophysics
• assess possibilities and limitations of instrumentation and measuring techniques
• discuss orally and in writing and give an account of biophotonics concepts in interdisciplinary groups
• analyse sustainability aspects of biophotonics and its contribution to a sustainable society

Content

The development of light-based methods from the first microscopes to the laser and modern access to high performance image sensors. Exploration of how light can be used in various ways to examine biological systems on micro-, meso- and nano scales. Interaction between light and matter: absorption, reflection and transmission of light. Light-activating proteins: photosynthesis and photo receptors. Spectrophotometry: applications in biochemistry. Dispersion-based methods. Optical tweezers and radiation pressure. Basis of fluorescence and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Light microscopy and its specialisations: bright field microscopy, dark field microscopy, phase contrast microscopy, differential interference contrast microscopy, confocal microscopy. Super-resolution microscopy: stimulated emission depletion (STED), stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) and photo-activated localization microscopy (PALM). Simulations and computer analysis of microscopy data using Python. Biophotonics for sustainable development.

Instruction

Lectures, laboratory sessions, computer exercises and seminars.

Assessment

Written examination (6 credits). Written reports and oral tests for seminars, exercises and laboratory sessions (4 credits).