Description: This mini-course provides an overview of the application of multi-modal bioimaging in understanding the structure–function paradigm in Cell Biology and Neuroscience. These advanced imaging techniques, cryo-electron tomography, correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM), and focused ion beam milling (FIB), when combined with intricate image analysis, offer a unique opportunity to produce 3D structures of biomolecules in the cellular context and capture the actions of cellular complexes while they perform their biological functions. These methods are vital for exploring areas of biomolecular research previously unattainable by other imaging techniques. This mini-course emphasizes the integration of multimodal structural data and recent progress in sample preparation, data processing, and analysis.
Structure: Students will be exposed to lectures focusing on the application of cryo-electron microscopy and tomography in cell biology. The course will also feature discussions based on primary literature, hands-on demonstrations, and a culminating group project presentation.
Outcome: By the end of the course, students will:
- Understand the capabilities and potential of cryo-electron microscopy and tomography in biomedical sciences.
- Evaluate the applications of these advanced bioimaging tools to their research endeavors and thesis work.
- Improve proficiency in scientific literature reading and presentation.