Bio-Imaging in the Life Sciences 4D option BIOL4190

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes

Short Description

An introduction to biological imaging, incorporating fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, image analysis and image processing. Fundamental aspects of image analysis will be covered. 

Timetable

This option is assigned to block S2-D. There is normally one 3-hour session on Fridays.

Requirements of Entry

Normally, only available to final-year School of Life Sciences students. Visiting students may be allowed to enrol, at the discretion of the School of Life Sciences Chief Adviser and the Course Coordinator. 

Excluded Courses

None.

Assessment

The course will be assessed by a 2-hour examination (70%) and in-course assessment consisting of a take-home research assignment (30%). 

Main Assessment In: April/May

Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? Not applicable for Honours courses

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

Course Aims

The course aims to prepare the student for work involving collecting and analysing digital images that relate to biological research. The course will provide students with an appreciation of how quantitative data can be extracted from digital images.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course, students will be able to: 

■ Apply image analysis software to the investigation of biological research;

■ Discuss the broad range of approaches to quantitative image analysis;

■ Handle large image volumes and multiple file types;

■ Appraise the quality of digital images;

■ Discuss the merits of a variety of imaging modalities and their applications.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.