Type of course

Admission requirements

Course content

Stereo microscope and light microscope are important tools to overcome the limitations of the limited resolving power of the human eye. As they are indispensible for the analysis of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, they form an integrative part of biological research.

The course will introduce standard and advanced techniques of light microscopy such as bright field microscopy, phase contrast microscopy and fluorescence microscopy. Strong emphasis will be on the practical part. We will use samples from the fields of microbiology, plant biology and zoology in order to demonstrate the handling of microscopes and familiarize the participating students with the maintenance of the equipment. Besides the application of various microscopical techniques, we will also treat important related topics such as sample preparation (including fixation, sectioning and staining techniques) and the professional documentation of the results by microphotography. The theoretical part will convey the necessary background knowledge and will cover the composition of light and fluorescence microscopes, magnification and optical resolution, contrast improvement, specific dyes and staining techniques, autofluorescence and secondary fluorescence.

The results of the course will be presented in a small workshop in form of poster presentations and a discussion.

Objectives of the course

Students that have completed the course shall have the following learning outcome:

• understand light microscopy as tool for classical and modern biological research
• be comfortable and knowledgeable in working with microscopes
• can select a suitable microscopic technique for a given scientific question
• are familiar with preparation, layout and presentation of a poster concerning their research

Language of instruction and examination

Teaching methods

Assessment

Recommended reading/syllabus