Vitesse Interdisciplinary Workshop

BIOLOGY FOR BIOPHOTONICS

February 22-25, 2005

Vitesse Canada Office
Park Place, 666 Burrard Street, Suite 1170
Vancouver, B.C. V6C 2X8, Canada

The Vitesse Interdisciplinary Workshop, is a first of its nature, knowledge-sharing forum aimed at enhancing the knowledge base of highly qualified professionals at the interface of physics, photonics and biomedical engineering and the biosciences.

This program covers the following topics:

      Introduction to Biology

-          The cell: structure and functions, DNA, RNA and proteins

-          PCR sequencing, hybridization-based procedures

-          Fluorescent proteins or antibody tags

High Throughput Molecular Biology

-          Genome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome

-          High throughput techniques: microarray, SAGE, real-time PCR

Principles of Photobiology and Tissue Optics

Biochemistry for Optical Biosensors

-          Introduction to biosensors

-          Major strategies for optical biosensor design

-          Immobilization and sustained activity of proteins and nucleic acids on sensor surfaces

Applications of Nano-Particles for Cancer Imaging

Cellular and Sub-Cellular Imaging and Clinical Treatment by Means of Nonlinear Optics Techniques

-          Biological structures: multi-photon phenomena and fluorescence microscopy specifics

-          Cellular or sub-cellular functions and structure imaging by second harmonic, hyper-Raman effects and by two-photon fluorescence correlation spectroscopy

Advanced Optical Technologies for the Detection and Grading of Pre-Invasive Cervical Inter-Epithelial Neoplasias

Quantitative Microscopy Instrumentation

Biophotonics Simulations: Light Scattering from Biological Cells

      Biophotonics Simulations: Light Scattering from Biological Cells

Targeted Audience

• Physical scientists, photonics and biomedical engineers and researchers
• Masters, Ph.D. students and post-doctoral fellows
• Those with little or no understanding of biological systems
• Those who are interested in learning the basic concepts of biology and biophotonics with a view to explore interdisciplinary opportunities

Benefits to Participants
- A comprehensive initiation in biology and biotechnology
- Acquire knowledge of a variety of optical techniques for bio applications

- Explore the transfer of applied science concepts or techniques to biological systems

- Apply acquired knowledge to real life examples (problem based learning sessions)
- Possibility for career advancement into the fields of biology or medicine and biophotonics