Methods in Modern Microscopy

12 units (2-6-4) | second term

Discussion and laboratory-based course covering the practical use of the confocal microscope, with special attention to the dynamic analysis of living cells and embryos. Course topics include: basic optics, microscope design, Kohler illumination, confocal microscopy, light sheet microscopy, deeper imaging into tissues using two photon laser scanning microscopy with non-descanned detectors, comparing fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) to fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and three-dimensional reconstruction of cells and tissues. Students will construct a light sheet microscope based on the openSPIM design, and perform time-lapse confocal analysis of living cells and embryos. Enrollment is limited. Given in alternate years; not offered 2026-27.