12792 - Methods in Nanobiotechnology Modulübersicht
| Module Number: | 12792 |
| Module Title: | Methods in Nanobiotechnology |
| Methoden der Nanobiotechnology | |
| Department: | Faculty 2 - Environment and Natural Sciences |
| Responsible Staff Member: |
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| Language of Teaching / Examination: | English |
| Duration: | 1 semester |
| Frequency of Offer: | Every summer semester |
| Credits: | 8 |
| Learning Outcome: | Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to independently design, perform, and critically evaluate experiments in modern nanobiotechnology. They will acquire hands-on experience with single-particle tracking, single-molecule FRET using DNA-based sensors, and super-resolution microscopy in live bacterial cells. Students will learn to prepare samples, operate advanced fluorescence microscopes, and optimize acquisition parameters for reaching single-molecule sensitivity. Students will analyze experimental data using appropriate statistical and computational tools (Python), extracting biologically meaningful parameters such as diffusion coefficients, molecular distances, and nanoscale spatial organization. The course will strengthen the ability to connect physical measurement principles with biological questions. Finally, students will critically assess experimental limitations, sources of artifacts, and the translational relevance of single-molecule and super-resolution approaches. |
| Contents: | The course is organized around a sequence of laboratory modules that introduce experimental strategies in nanobiotechnology. It begins with an overview of fluorescence microscopy setups, optical alignment, and intricate sample preparation required for achieving single-molecule sensitivity. Students then perform single-particle tracking experiments to study nanoscale motion and heterogeneity, followed by single-molecule Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET) measurements using, e.g., DNA-based sensors to investigate conformational changes in the nanometer range. A dedicated module addresses live-cell imaging in bacteria and the application of single-molecule localization microscopy to resolve subcellular structures beyond the diffraction limit. Throughout the course, practical sessions are complemented by guided data processing, including diffusivity analysis, FRET efficiency calculations, and localization reconstructions. The final part of the course focuses on integrating experimental results into a coherent scientific report and discussing biological context and potential applications. |
| Recommended Prerequisites: | Knowledge in Biotechnology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering Sciences. |
| Mandatory Prerequisites: | Only applies to the Master Biotechnology PO 2018 with 4 semesters standard period of study: Successfull completion of module
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| Teaching Materials and Literature: | In addition to the provided scripts, students will work primarily with scientific reviews, original scientific publications, as well as with protocols and application notes of devices provided by manufactures. Students are expected to resource information from Internet including the critical assessment of information provided by large language models such as chatGPT. |
| Module Examination: | Continuous Assessment (MCA) |
| Assessment Mode for Module Examination: | 1. presentation of a scientific topic (will be announced at the beginning of the lab course) (20%), => 10 slides, 20 min presentation 2. written test on the content of the course 60 min (20%) 3. protocol reporting on the experiments and data analysis (40%), 10-12 pages |
| Evaluation of Module Examination: | Performance Verification – graded |
| Limited Number of Participants: | 8 |
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| Remarks: | The module takes place as a 6 week block course. |
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