Confocal laser scanning microscopy

Aim

Confocal laser scanning microscopy is mainly used in biomedical sciences for high-resolution analysis of fluorescently labeled cell and tissue structures. High resolution is achieved by scanning the sample with a finely focussed laser beam, and exclusion of out-of-focus fluorescence by a confocal aperture. The aquired images can be used for analysis and processing, e.g. 3D-reconstruction, of the labeled structures.
The course gives an introduction to the optical principles of confocal microscopy, with emphasis on the practical possibilities and limitations of the technique. It also gives a brief survey of specimen preparation methods and fluorescent compounds.
Most of the course is devoted to practical microscopy and image analysis and processing. Students are encouraged to bring microscopy preparations related to their own research interests, and the course leader should be consulted in advance about suitable and possible preparations.
The course includes a literature project, and each student gives a presentation at a final seminar on a research topic of their own choice, and how confocal microscopy can or could be used in this research.
The course leader has more than 10 years' experience of confocal laser scanning microscopy. The instrumentation currently in use is a Zeiss LSM510 META with a fixed-stage upright microscope.

Location & Organization

Organizer

FLÄK - The Research School in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Course Director

Peter Ekström

Location / venue

Lund University (Faculty of Science)

Timing & Workload

Duration 1 week
ECTS points 3
Frequency Annual
 

Examination yes

Criteria

Is the course taught in English? yes
Is documentation available? (book, syllabus)? yes
Is the course open for external researchers? yes

More Information

http://www.biol.lu.se/cellorgbiol/postgrad/courses/course_18.html