Ph.D/Postdoc course Advanced Optical Microscopy 2022

Aim: The aim of this one-week course is to introduce, discuss, and experience the technologies and applications of various advanced optical microscopic techniques. Also, tissue and cell preparation protocols and immune-cytochemical procedures will be discussed. Finally, vital imaging and quantification of molecular processes in the cell will be explained and demonstrated. 

Target group: PhD and Postdoc students in the Life Sciences.  

Content: This course is composed of lectures, practical training, and demonstrations on the following topics:

• Basic microscopy
• Fluorescence (spectroscopic) microscopy
• Confocal laser scanning laser microscopy
• Light sheet microscopy
• High-throughput microscopy
• Super-resolution microscopy (with a focus on STED)
• Multiphoton laser scanning laser microscopy
• Vital imaging of cells and tissues
• Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)
• Fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM)
• Sample preparation and clearing
• 3D image restoration and image processing
   

Approach: Theoretical lectures will be provided in the morning sessions, while practical training and demonstrations are planned in the afternoon. You will have the opportunity to discuss your results or view your own microscopic preparations with experts in the field.  

Examination: At the start of the course students will receive by email an open question, dealing with a cell biological problem that should be solved by using microscopic techniques and proper preparation of the sample. Students may do this assignment individually or in small groups. 

Min/Max students: Maximum 20 participants

Location: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences,Maastricht University Medical Center

Coordinator: Prof.dr. Marc van Zandvoort, Dept. of Molecular Cell Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, tel: +31 43 3881361, mamj.vanzandvoort@maastrichtuniversity.nl

Registration course: Secretary / Erika Bemelmans