Biology 314rf - Topics in Advanced Microscopy Techniques-Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy

The TIRFM is used to study fluorescently labelled molecules in a very thin region of the sample adjacent to the coverglass. With a depth of up to ~100nm, this technique is well-suited to examine, for example, individual molecules, cell membranes, and other cell surface components and processes.  Mechanical and optical components will be reviewed and operational parameters for improving image quality will be covered. Instruction includes lectures, demonstrations, discussions and hands-on activities and will count towards some of the CMI training to become an independent microscope user.  Only one topic per semester can be selected. Enrollment limited to 6. Graded S/U only.