Experimental biomicroscopy

Summary

By combining hands-on and theoretical training, this course introduces commonly used optical microscopy techniques. The lab training takes place in BIOP Core Facility and provides access to use microscopes and image biological samples. Theoretical part covers their basic operation principles.

Content

Keywords

Modern optical microscopes, hands-on laboratory experience, optical alignments, contrast-enhancing imaging techniques, fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, high quality optical images.

Learning Prerequisites

Recommended courses

Fundamentals of Microscopy, Selected topics in advanced optics (MT), modern optics (PHY) or General physics III/IV.

Important concepts to start the course

Basic knowledge in optics, wide field microscopy and fluorescence

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

• Choose an appropriate imaging method for investigating the biological sample of interest.
• Estimate the performance and limitations of optical microscopes.
• Sketch the essential elements of optical microscopes.
• Operate wide field and confocal microscopes.
• Assess / Evaluate the operation principles of commonly used microscopy methods
• Choose
• Choose an appropriate imaging method for investigating the biological sample of interest.

Transversal skills

• Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.
• Continue to work through difficulties or initial failure to find optimal solutions.
• Communicate effectively with professionals from other disciplines.

Teaching methods

Lecturing with exercises (50%) and practice in EPFL's BIOP microscopy facility (50%).

Expected student activities

Following the lecturing and solving the exercises regularly is necessary for mastering the course contents. The solutions of the exercises are distributed at the next lecture. The student is invited to find his/her own solutions and to discuss them with the assistants. An active participation in the laboratory leads to the mastering of different microscopes.

Assessment methods

100% End-term exam, individual written exam

Supervision

Resources

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)

No

Bibliography

Fundamentals of Light Microscopy and Electronic Imaging: Douglas B. Murphy, Michael W. Davidson (2012, 2nd edition)

Notes/Handbook

The course slides and exrcises are uploaded on Moodle

Moodle Link

• https://go.epfl.ch/MICRO-562