Course detail

Experimental Biophotonics

FSI-TEB-AAcad. year: 2025/2026

Basics of biophotonics including principles of light microscopy, fluorescence, confocal microscopy, quantitative phase imaging especially in holographic microscopy, and polarization microscopy. Basics of cell biology in vitro: structure and functions of the cell; isolation of cells from multicellular organisms and their maintenance in vitro; mastering the specialty of preparation of live cells for microscopy observations. Protocols of in vitro investigations of cell behavior. The role of light microscopy techniques for the study of live cells in vitro:

Applications in neurosciences and cancer research.

Demonstrations and practical sections in the laboratory.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

3

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Ing. Daniel Zicha, CSc.

Department

Institute of Physical Engineering (ÚFI)

Entry knowledge

Knowledge of elements of geometric optics.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Student assessment will take into consideration his/her work at the laboratory and will depend on the result of the final discussion.
Presence in all teaching units is required because of their mutual links. In the case of student absence, the teacher will specify alternative requirements.

Aims

The objective of this theme is the introduction of biophotonics including light microscopy techniques for biology. The theme also includes the basics of cell biology and the application of light microscopy in studies of live cells in vitro, and example applications in neurosciences and cancer research.
Acquiring of widened ability to interdisciplinary professional activity.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

A. R. Hibbs: Confocal Microscopy for Biologists. Springer, 2004.
B. Alberts et al.: Molecular Biology of the Cell, 5th Ed. Garland Science, 2007.
D. Bray: Cell Movements: From Molecules to Motility. Garland Science 2000.
D. E. Chandler, R. W. Robertson: Bioimaging. Jones & Bartlett, Boston 2009.

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme N-FIN-P Master's 1 year of study, winter semester, elective
  • Programme N-PMO-P Master's 1 year of study, winter semester, elective

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

13 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Daniel Zicha, CSc.

Syllabus

Basic principles of light microscopy for biology
Cell biology and preparation of samples for microscopy
Interferometry and holographic microscopy
Fluorescence, confocal and 2-photon microscopy
Applications in tumor and cell biology
Polarization microscopy and imaging of extracellular matrix

Laboratory exercise

13 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Daniel Zicha, CSc.

Syllabus

Lecture themes are developed by laboratory demonstrations and laboratory work of students.