This course will get you introduced with the basics of microscopy. Starting from the physics behind the microscope moving from basic light microscopy, through contrast enhancing techniques. Ending with the nowadays omnipresent fluorescence microscopy, and shortly discussing the advanced possibilities with these techniques. Finally, the course concludes with an introduction in image analysis to learn the basics of FIJI, the most used program for analyzing microscopic images.
This microscopy course is adapted to be taken by yourself (online). It consists of 6 lectures covering various topics and several practicals that you can try yourself (though they won’t be adopted to your own microscope per se).
The course takes about 3 days to complete, and as member of Casimir you can get a certificate for 3 GSCs (graduate school credits).
Course material
All course material can be found at this link, including lecture Powerpoints and practical assignments. The lectures are also presented in an interactive way online:
- Physics of light: https://video.leidenuniv.nl/media/t/1_dcxitmkj
- The microscope: https://video.leidenuniv.nl/media/t/1_e38wkqm7
- Contrast techniques: https://video.leidenuniv.nl/media/t/1_49ht4u6e
- Histology and sample preparation: https://video.leidenuniv.nl/media/t/1_691gnymw
- Fluorescence microscopy: https://video.leidenuniv.nl/media/t/1_9lonufca
- Image analysis: https://video.leidenuniv.nl/media/t/1_ye02kigs
Casimir PhD's can receive a certificate of participation, after successful completion of the course. To obtain this certificate, please complete this online quiz (a minimum of 162 points should be obtained). Furthermore, provide proof that you did the image analysis part by following the steps described in the document (download below).