Teaching code

4S011589

Credits

9

Coordinator

Paolo Fabene

Language

English

Courses Single

Not Authorized

Moodle Seminars 0

The teaching is organized as follows:

Learning objectives

The course aims to provide to students the knowledge of the fundamentals of the main imaging technologies applied to translational research, including light and fluorescence microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and flow cytometry. The course is structured in such a way that, starting with the introduction of fundamental scientific and technological concepts, it leads to an understanding of the main applications of imaging technologies to translational research and diagnostics through laboratory exercises conducted in working groups. The course is structured in two separate modules:
- the Principles of (bio)Imaging module provides students with the physical concepts that underlie image construction in modern biomedical imaging techniques; illustrates concepts related to image quality and contrast, spatial and temporal resolution; enables the student to understand the main biomedical applications of different technologies; provides the necessary skills to be able independently to read and understand scientific papers in the field, and expound on their main findings;
- the Biomedical applications of imaging module allows students to explore the uses of bioimaging techniques at the biomedical level, both clinical and research. The main techniques for visualizing cellular structures and ultrastructures using light, fluorescence and multiphoton microscopy are explained, as well as applications of flow cytometry for assessing heterogeneity in cellular samples. It also provides the necessary morpho-functional substrate to evaluate the results obtained.
Upon completion of the course, the student will have acquired: a) in-depth knowledge of modern diagnostic techniques used in the biomedical field (ultrasound, x-ray, nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance tomography, and optical imaging) and microscopy techniques; b) comprehensive knowledge of analysis methodologies (e.g. segmentation of various organs and volume calculation, parameter extraction, signal-to-noise ratio and contrast measurement, etc.); c) ability to apply the acquired knowledge to design and execute a simple experiment aimed at collecting data with a real acquisition system (e.g., a magnetic resonance tomograph for experimental studies); d) ability to work in a team, interpret the results of experimental analyses, and communicate them according to the standards of the scientific community; e) ability to analyze a scientific article in the field, understanding the imaging techniques used, the main results obtained, and the limitations of the article itself; f) adequate morpho-functional basis for proper interpretation of the images and the biological significance of the parameters investigated; g) ability to plan further bioimaging studies in preclinical models of pathology, both oncological and CNS.

Prerequisites and basic notions

Physics principles related to imaging techniques

Bibliography

Learning assessment procedures

Principles of (bio)imaging module: the examination consists of an oral test in which the student will expose the results of the practical exercise or a scientific article in the field chosen in collaboration with the professor and will be conducted orally. In the exposition he/she will have to show an understanding of the physical principles of the (bio)imaging techniques used, the main results, and possible limitations. The duration of the examination will be 30 minutes. The mode of examination is the same for non-attending and Erasmus students.
Biomedical applications of imaging module: the examination consists of an oral test in which the student will have to demonstrate that he/she has attained the minimum knowledge of the morpho- functional basics and is able to discuss potential use of the techniques learned. The duration of the examination will be 30 minutes. The mode of examination is the same for non-attending and Erasmus students.

Evaluation criteria

To pass the exam, the student must demonstrate that he or she has fully achieved the pre-set learning objectives. The overall grade is the weighted average of the marks obtained in the two modules.
For the Principles of (bio)imaging module: the ability to: 1) understand the physical principles underlying the (bio)imaging technique used; 2) identify advantages and limitations of the techniques used in terms of the biomedical problem addressed; 3) expound in a rigorous and concise form.
For the Biomedical applications of imaging module: the ability to define the anatomical structures investigated, as well as possible applications in functional studies, will be specifically assessed.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

Oral exam regarding the course presentations provided in pdf format