Course Coordinator:
Sima Salahshor, BSc, MSc, PMP, PhD
Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology (LMP)
Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
Email: s.salahshor@utoronto.ca │ Tel: (+1) 416-841-7959
Course Description: This course explores the powerful intersection of Physics, Biological science, and Imaging technologies. Basic principles of optics such as the nature of light, diffraction, refraction, the nature of lenses, and the design of the light microscope, latest image analysis tools, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning software for image analysis and digital pathology will be covered in this course. We will discuss phase contrast, dark field, interference contrast, and modulation contrast, as well as polarization and fluorescence microscopy. Different types of microscopes and imaging technologies and their use in biological sciences including dissecting, compound, scanning and transmission electron microscopes, positron emission tomography, single photon emission computed tomography, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, optical imaging, stereology and 3D imaging, optical microscopy, nanoscopy, live cell and whole animal imaging techniques, cytogenetic, X-ray crystallography and imaging in forensic science and their use in diagnostic pathology will be discussed. Some of the lectures will be complemented by laboratory sessions demonstrating these systems. As a result, students will have the opportunity for hands-on experience with state-of-the-art optical, electronic, and digital imaging equipment guided by Scientists and/or an experienced staff from Universities, hospitals, research facilities, government agencies as well as the industry. This course will focus on the theory, application and implementation of different imaging techniques, and more importantly, on application of biological experimentation relevant to modern biological research or clinical biochemical studies and the common real-life research goal in the industry, hospitals and research laboratories.
Course Objective: At the end of this course participants are expected to have acquired knowledge about different types of image analysis tools and software, microscopes, advanced imaging technologies and their functionality and use in biological sciences. The course will provide students with the knowledge and expertise to implement cutting edge microscopic and imaging methods within their own laboratories.
Curriculum: Lectures consist of theory and/or hands on image analysis tools, microscopy, various imaging instrument, research facility tour, laboratory sessions and technology or instrument demonstrations.
Prerequisite: No specific courses are required; however, students should have successfully completed advanced courses in molecular biology, cell biology and/or biochemistry. Priority will be given to more senior PhD students.