
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