Quantitative Fluorescence Microscopy

A national techniques course in fluorescence microscopy and imaging

Overview

This one week, intensive microscopy course will cover all aspects of the technology from the principals of fluorescence imaging to multidimensional imaging in living cells. Lectures dealing with the theory, mechanics, and application of fluorescent imaging methods will be intermingled with extended laboratory practicals in which students will be encouraged to use their own specimens, to optimize the utility of the course. Our goal will be to provide students with the knowledge and expertise to implement cutting edge microscopic methods within their own laboratories.

Rationale

The power and capability of the light microscope has increased dramatically over the last few years. In fact light microscopy is now becoming of central utility in all fields of biological research including cell biology, physiology and molecular biology. This change has been driven by the need to study increasingly sophisticated problems at high spatial and temporal resolution. The advances, principally in the field of fluorescence microscopy have been dependant on the development of entirely new microscopic methodologies coupled to the use of fluorescent proteins, new fluorescent dye technologies, highly sensitive detectors and inexpensive powerful computers.

Our goal will be to provide students with the knowledge and expertise to implement cutting edge microscopic methods within their own laboratories. In contrast with other currently available courses it will focus exclusively on the theory, potential application and implementation of fluorescent imaging techniques, and perhaps more importantly this will be couched in the real world application of biological experimentation.

This one week, intensive course will cover all aspects of the technology from the principals of fluorescence imaging to multidimensional imaging in living cells. Lectures dealing with the theory, mechanics, and application of fluorescent imaging methods will be intermingled with extended laboratory practicals in which students will be encouraged to use their own specimens, to optimize the utility of the course.

Teaching Faculty

Simon C. Watkins, Ph.D.
Professor, Cell Biology & Physiology
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
Phone:(412)648-3051
Fax: 648-8330
swatkins@pitt.edu

David W. Piston, Ph.D.
Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
Associate Professor of Physics
Vanderbilt Medical Center
1211 22nd Ave S
Nashville, TN 37232

Claudette M. St. Croix, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health
s220 BST 3500 Terrace Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Anne Kenworthy, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN

Industrial Faculty

Housing: On-campus housing is available in single and double-accommodation dormitory rooms and cottages. The course fee includes the cost of on-campus housing.

Travel, Shuttles, and Public Transportation: Detailed travel information, including airport and ground transportation suggestions, is available on the MDIBL Travel page.

Most course participants will be housed on-campus and daily transportation will not be necessary. Public transportation around Mount Desert Island is available on the Island Explorer Shuttle Bus system. Driving directions from Boston and Bangor to MDIBL are also available .

The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce has information regarding local attractions, including Acadia National Park.

A small number of full and partial tuition fellowships may be available, and have previously been awarded to graduate students.  Fellowships cover the cost of course tuition and exclude travel.

Please indicate on the application form if you would like to request fellowship support.