Fluorescence Microscopy (1210), October 25-27, 2022 In-Person

IMPORTANT: McCrone Research Institute is adhering to all federal and local COVID-19 safety guidelines. In-person course attendees are required to wear a face mask that covers their nose and mouth for the entire day of class. Learn more

COURSE OUTLINE & SYLLABUS

Course schedule: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., all three days

Students in this intensive three-day course, taught at McCrone Research Institute in Chicago, will become proficient in techniques of fluorescence microscopy for investigation of biological and non-biological samples, but particularly for the identification of microbes in the environment. The course consists of lecture, demonstration, and hands-on training in the practice of sample collection, preparation, and observation using techniques of fluorescence microscopy. Students will gain experience in designing protocols using fluorescence microscopy and implementing those protocols for the investigation of laboratory and/or real-world field samples.

DAY 1
Morning
Lecture: Introduction to fluorescence microscopy, microscopes for fluorescence, filter sets and light sources

Afternoon
Exercises 1 – 2: Intrinsic fluorescence, survey of non-biological samples

DAY 2
Morning
Exercises 3 – 4: Survey of organisms for size and fluorescence, cytochemical fluorescence microscopy

Afternoon
Exercises 5 – 7: Plant and fungal cell walls, lipids, ID bacteria using fluorescence

DAY 3
Morning
Exercises 8 – 9: Testing liquids for contamination, ID bacteria on surfaces

Afternoon
Exercises 10 – 12: Determining bacteria viability, fluorescence staining of polysaccharides, endospore staining
Forensics: ID five unknown samples