Aim and content

This advanced biological imaging course module gives a hands-on introduction to chemical imaging of biological and environmental samples using IR and Raman micro-spectroscopy. In this way, the course aims to make students capable of integrating IR and/or RAMAN imaging in their projects.

It gives an introduction to vibrational micro-spectroscopy, an overview of what can and cannot be detected by these techniques, and how they complement each other. In the course, we go through all steps of selecting analysis methods, sampling, and preparing specimens, carrying out measurements, processing data, and presenting results. Especially, we will discuss representability issues for heterogeneous samples, the spatial and spectral resolutions obtainable, and the compromises necessary when utilising micro-spectroscopy within research. Instrument demonstrations and hands-on training will be included in the course. Depending on the needs of the enrolled students, the course’s focus can be broader than only exploiting environmental and/or biological samples.

Formel requirements

The course is an add-on module to the 5 ECST course “Biological X-ray and Neutron Imaging” (Professor Alexander Schulz, PLEN) and is open for master and PhD students who have taken this course or aquired  the relevant knowledge in another way, e.g., through related courses at UCPH or other universities. If in doubt, please contact lgt@ign.ku.dk.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

• Able to give an overview of the molecular basis of vibrational spectroscopy
• Describe properties and characteristics of infrared radiation
• Describe how molecular vibrations can be detected and quantified by interaction with light

Skills:

• Read, understand and evaluate scientific papers that utilize IR and/or RAMAN imaging within the student’s own field
• Design a sampling and sample preparation methodology for vibrational microscopy based on known material properties and known characteristics and limitations of the included methods
• Make a flow-chart of data management from raw IR/Raman image data to analysis and presentation of results

Competences:

• Able to describe the difference between IR and RAMAN imaging
• Judge suitability of these imaging modalities to solve scientific questions within the student’s own field of research
• Design a procedure based on vibrational microscopy aimed at addressing a research question relevant to the student’s own field of research

Target group

All students planning to use IR and/or Raman imaging in their projects.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, demonstrations, hands-on practical exercises, theoretical exercises.
Students will prepare samples, perform measurements, analyse data and present their work in a written report.

Remarks

Course Fee and No-Show Fee
All PhD students are charged for instrument-time & laboratory expenses amounting to a total of 500 DKK for this course module.
The registration is binding, and the course fee is non-refundable in case of no-show or participant cancellation after the deadline for sign-up.

Note: This course is an add-on module to the imaging course “Biological X-ray and neutron Imaging” (course responsible: Professor Alexander Schulz, PLEN). The module described here is one out of three different options for the last 3 weeks of the 8-week course (7.5 ECTS in total), but can also be taken separately, if the requirements are fulfilled.

Disclaimer:
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