Microscopy for Biomedical Research Course Requirements

Course Goals

The light and electron microscopy techniques course is designed to train participants in the application of various microscopy methods for their own research needs.  As much training as possible will be done on samples provided by the students, so that meaningful results can be obtained quickly.  The ultimate goal is to have everyone function independently and be able to decide when and when not to use a particular microscopy procedure.

Evaluation

A. Notebook 10%
B. Presentation I (Technique/Instrumentation) 20%
C. Presentation II 20%
D. Practical Assignments 10%
E. Additional Written Assignments 10%

Suggested Reference

Electron Microscopy: Principles and Techniques for Biologists by Bozzola & Russell

Laboratory Activity

1. Each student must submit a short project proposal prior to the onset of lab work. This must be submitted electronically.
2. Each student must identify funding to support the project.
3. Each student must have their own project samples available at the start of the semester.
4. Basic techniques of specimen processing, scope operation and photography must be mastered before the midterm exam.
5. Appointments for training on lab techniques and equipment must be made with the lab instructor at least 24 hours in advance. Please notify the lab instructor if you need to cancel training time.

Notebook

A. Each student will submit a notebook consisting of a short "paper" describing work done on their project.  The paper should contain an introduction stating project goals, a materials and methods section, and a results/discussion section containing analysis and conclusions with supporting micrographs. Notebooks must be presented electronically.

B. A minimum of ten different high quality micrographs will be presented in the notebook at the end of the course.

1. All project micrographs are to be of high contrast, well-focused, free of knife marks and contamination.
2. Each print must be accompanied by a sample description (legend).
3. Each print must have a marker bar to indicate scale (i.e. 1 mm or 0.01 mm etc.)

Poster

Alternative to the notebook is the preparation of a poster for a regional or national professional meeting.  Submit an abstract along with a letter from the faculty sponsor.

Presentation

A 15-20 minute talk about instrumentation and techniques beyond the scope of this course.

Presentation II

A 10-minute PowerPoint talk on the students' project results will be presented towards the end of the semester.