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Lab Course: Methods in Cell Analysis and Laboratory Automation
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:32
Abstract
The course Methods in Cell Analysis and Laboratory Automation introduces students to high-end cell analysis and sample preparation methods including image analysis. Students will be taught theoretical aspects and skills in Flow Cytometry, Light Microscopy, Image Analysis, and the use of Laboratory Automation (liquid handling).
Objective
-to understand the technical and physical principles of light microscopes, flow cytometers, and pipetting robots -to have hands-on experience in the use of these technologies to analyze/image real samples -to be able to run a basic analysis of the data and images obtained with flow cytometers and microscopes,respectively -to get introduced to liquid handling (pipetting) robotics and learn how to implement a basic workflow in Python.
Content
The practical course will have four units at 2 days each (total 8 days) plus 2 days for data analysis: 1. Flow Cytometry: a. Introduction to Flow Cytometry b. Practical demonstration on flow cytometry analyzers and flow cytometry cell sorters c. Flow cytometry sample preparation d. Learn how to use flow cytometry equipment to analyze and sort fluorescence-labeled cells 2. Light microscopy a. Learn how to build a fluorescence microscope and understand the underlying physical principles b. Perform various optical experiments c. Use this microscope to acquire images of biological samples and a yeast cell culture assay to analyze the dose-dependent effect of a drug treatment. 3. Image Analysis a. Introduction to the fundamentals of image analysis b. Learn the basics priciples and theory of the image analysis. c. Use Fiji/ImageJ and Python libraries to analyze the images acquired during the microscopy exercise. 4. Laboratory Automation a. Introduction to the basics of automated liquid handling/ lab robotics b. See examples on using lab automation for plasmid library generation and cell cultivation c. Learn how to program and execute a basic pipetting workflow including liquid handling and labware transfers on Opentron OT2 robotic systems
Resources
Lecture Notes
You will find further information on the practical course and the equipment at:https://www.bsse.ethz.ch/scfhttps://www.bsse.ethz.ch/laf
Literature
Microscopy: Murphy and Davidson, Fundamentals of Light Microscopy and Electronic Imaging, John Wiley & Sons, 2012 Flow Cytometry: Shapiro, Practical Flow Cytometry, John Wiley & Sons, 2005 Image analysis: R. C. Gonzalez, R. E. Woods, Digital Image Processing (3rd Edition), Prentice Hall Laboratory Automation: Design and construction of a first-generation high-throughput integrated robotic molecular biology platform for bioenergy applications (2011) J. Lab. Autom., 16(4), 292-307
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Registration & Places
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| practical/laboratory course |
Lab Course: Methods in Cell Analysis and Laboratory Automation
The introduction to this lab course takes place on Friday, 18 September
Then, the course continues Mondays/Tuesdays on the following dates: 21-22 / 28-29 September | 5-6 / 12-13 / 19-20 October
|
No time listed | 80 h semesterly |
Offered In
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Biotechnology Master (More information at: )
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Core Courses (All core course lectures and lab courses are mandatory.)
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