The Essentials of Optics and Fluorescence Microscopy for Cell Biology Applications (2013 Advanced Data Analysis Pre-Congress Course)

The Presenter

Stephen Lockett
Optical Microscopy and Analysis Laboratory
Frederick National Laboratory
National Cancer Institute
Frederick, MD 21702

Session Summary

Modern optical microscopy techniques have enabled the acquisition of quantitative information from cells with unprecedented accuracy and specificity. This technology is poised to continue making a significant impact in health-related sciences by facilitating diagnosis as well as enabling important discoveries related to cellular mechanisms. The purpose of this short course is to enable scientists and technical practitioners to utilize the most commonly available optical imaging hardware and software tools to quantitatively describe and analyze cellular processes. It aims to provide the necessary background as well as to introduce the terminology, concepts, and methodological approaches employed in modern image cytometry and high-content screening. The course will expand and strengthen the participants' knowledge and understanding of modern digital high-content microscopy techniques. It will provide participants with the required tools for quantitative interpretation of image-based experiments.

The course is intended for researchers and students who have previous experience with other optical methods such as flow cytometry or basic optical microscopy. 

Topics covered in this session include:

• Image formation (diffraction, magnification, etc.).
• Fluorescence (staining, photodamage, etc.).
• 3D and live cell imaging.

CMLE Credit: 1.0