Fluorescence Microscopy (1210)

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. After completion of this course students will have gained experience in designing protocols using fluorescence microscopy, and in implementing those protocols for the investigation of laboratory and/or real-world field samples.

DAY 1
Morning
Introduction to fluorescence microscopy; microscopes for fluorescence; filter sets and light sources

Afternoon
Exercises 1-3: Intrinsic fluorescence; introduction to fluorescent probes; fluorescent probe for fungi cell walls

DAY 2
Morning
Exercises 4-5: Fluorescent probe for DNA: DAPI, PI, and SYTO

Afternoon
Exercise 6: Analysis of unknown samples
Exercises 7-8: Bacteria viability; identification of Bacillus endospores

DAY 3
Morning
Exercises 9-10: Analysis of known samples using Insti-Fluor test slides; identification of fluidized Bacillus endospores

Afternoon
Exercise 11: Fluorescence proficiency analytical tests (FPAT) explained, with two example scenarios
Exercise 12: Test your knowledge in an FPAT