In this course students will learn the practice and the underlying theory of imaging with a focus on state-of-the-art live cell microscopy. Students will have the opportunity to use laser scanning confocal as well as widefield and near-field imaging to address experimental questions related to ion fluxes in cells, protein dynamics and association, and will use phase and interference techniques to enhance the detection of low contrast biological material. Exploration and discussion of detector technology, signals and signal processing, spectral separation methods and physical mechanisms used to determine protein associations and protein diffusion in cells are integrated throughout the course. Students will be assigned weekly lab reports, a mid-term and a final project consisting of a paper and an oral presentation on a current research topic involving optical microscopy.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the Student Link for the most up-to-date course information.