Biology 314 - Topics in Advanced Microscopy Techniques for Research: Transmission Electron Microscope

Topics course.Instrument specific topics course designed for research students (special studies, honors, SURF, etc.) requiring access to microscope equipment in the Center for Microscopy and Imaging (CMI). Students will discuss the need of the Microscope system of their choice for their research project by preparing and presenting short presentations and a poster. Emphasized are group and individual training sessions required to learn how to operate a microscope independently (see topics). Evaluation will be through engagement in assigned activities. 400 level work cannot overlap with this course work. Prerequisite: Permission of the Instructor. Enrollment limited to 6 per topic. Graded S/U only: The TEM is used to study morphological features of large molecules, cells, tissues, small organisms, and particles at a resolution of 0.3 nm. Ultrathin sections (~100nm) need to be cut to study internal features of cells and tissue. Negative staining techniques can be applied to observe large molecules, small organisms, and particles. Training includes a lecture, demonstrations, discussions, and hands-on microscope instruction. Mechanical and optical components will be reviewed and operational parameters improving image quality covered.

Instructor Permission.