Introduction to the Structure and Function of the Cell.
Biological Macromolecules: Structure and Function.
Membrane Structure and Ion Transport. Electrical Potentials of the Membrane.
Generation of Neuronal Potentials.
Introduction to Geometrical Optics.
Function of the Eye.
Absorption, Scattering, and Fluorescence.
Detection Systems: CCD Camera, Photomultiplier Tube.
Light–Matter Interactions in Biological Macromolecules and Systems. Light-Induced Phenomena in Tissues.
Introduction to Lasers: Operating Principles, Properties, Applications.
Optical Microscopy and Fluorescence Microscopy.
Three-Dimensional Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy.
- Teacher: Κωνσταντίνος Πολιτόπουλος
ECTS : 6
Study Load : theory 2, lab 2
Language : el
Learning Outcomes : The course is a fundamental introductory course in Biophotonics and Cellular Engineering, combined with modern technology in the field of Electrical Engineering.
Its content aims to bridge the gap between Medicine and New Technologies at the molecular and cellular level. It provides a multifactorial approach to topics in Biophotonics and Cellular Engineering, introducing basic principles and concepts in Photonics—such as Geometrical Optics, Lasers, light–biomolecule interactions, diffusion, absorption, and fluorescence—as well as topics in molecular and cellular biophysics, including mechanisms of vision, neurons, and membrane potentials.
Finally, the course aims, through the combination of the above with Engineering science, to cover imaging microscopy—including optical microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and three-dimensional laser scanning confocal microscopy—as well as light detection systems such as CCD cameras and photomultiplier tubes. The course delves deeper into the engineering aspects by analyzing the physical principles, limitations, structure, and operation of these widely used instruments and systems.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
• Know and understand the fundamental concepts of Biophotonics, such as light–biological matter interactions, imaging microscopy systems, and light detection devices.
• Know and understand the fundamental principles of Cellular Engineering, such as membrane potentials, ion exchange and related models, as well as electrical signals and their propagation.
• Analyze medical instruments based on Photonics, and identify and calculate their limitations and sensitivity.
• Combine their engineering background for the design, development, and solving of problems with medical and biological sciences at the molecular and cellular level.