Light microscopy and sample preparation in plant sciences
The five course days are spread over two weeks with obligatory time for own work in between to give the student the opportunity to apply new knowledge directly to their own plant samples. If needed, the first week of the course can also be followed at distance from other labs. The first day is devoted to sample fixation, inclusion and various sectioning methods via lectures and a demonstration in the lab (recorded if necessary). During the second day of the course, the student will follow lectures about different staining and localization methods for various cellular substances (histological staining), epitopes (immuno-localization of proteins and cell wall polymers) and RNA (in situ hybridization). The student also gets the opportunity to test different histological staining methods in the lab, and to continue working during the rest of the week with their own samples. Course days 3-5 are mandatory on site at Umeå Plant Science Center and are devoted to microscopy. The student will learn through lectures, practical exercises, and work with their own material about the optical principles of light microscopy, objective lenses, resolution, setting Köhler, contrasting methods (incl. darkfield, DIC, phase contrast), immersion, cameras and detectors and epifluorescence and about simple principles of image analysis and scientifically correct image manipulation. The course ends with group presentations by the students about their results, challenges with their specimen and possible solutions for future experiments. The presentation is mandatory.
Syllabus and other information
Syllabus
PFS0179 Light microscopy and sample preparation in plant sciences, 3.0 Credits
Subjects
BiologyEducation cycle
Postgraduate levelGrading scale
Language
EnglishPrior knowledge
NoneObjectives
After the end of the course the student will be able to
choose the most appropriate technique for sample preparation (fixation, sectioning) as well as staining for her/his biological question
use correct terms to describe various parts of a light microscope
understand and apply the basic physical principles of light microscopy to optimally set up the microscope for her/his use
diagnose basic problems at the microscope during sample imaging and solve them
decide on and apply simple, scientifically correct image manipulations to prepare his/her images for publication
critically evaluate the results of a microscopy experiment
Content
The purpose of the course is for the student to gain an overall understanding of light microscopy of plants, from sample preparation such as fixation, inclusion, sectioning and staining to the use of a microscope with its underlying optical principles. The student will acquire knowledge, tools and practice during this course in order to then choose the best strategy depending on various plant tissues and biological questions.
The five course days are spread over two weeks with obligatory time for own work in between to give the student the opportunity to apply new knowledge directly to their own plant samples. If needed, the first week of the course can also be followed at distance from other labs. The first day is devoted to sample fixation, inclusion and various sectioning methods via lectures and a demonstration in the lab (recorded if necessary). During the second day of the course, the student will follow lectures about different staining and localization methods for various cellular substances (histological staining), epitopes (immuno-localization of proteins and cell wall polymers) and RNA (in situ hybridization). The student also gets the opportunity to test different histological staining methods in the lab, and to continue working during the rest of the week with their own samples. Course days 3-5 are mandatory on site at Umeå Plant Science Center and are devoted to microscopy. The student will learn through lectures, practical exercises, and work with their own material about the optical principles of light microscopy, objective lenses, resolution, setting Köhler, contrasting methods (incl. darkfield, DIC, phase contrast), immersion, cameras and detectors and epifluorescence and about simple principles of image analysis and scientifically correct image manipulation. The course ends with group presentations by the students about their results, challenges with their specimen and possible solutions for future experiments. The presentation is mandatory.
Additional information
Physical attendance on course day 3-5 at Umeå Plant Science Center is mandatory.Responsible department
Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology