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Quantitative and Analytical Light Microscopy
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:00:09
Abstract
In-depth theoretical and practical course on light microscopy for studying life processes on the tissue, cellular, and molecular scale. An explicit objective of this course is to bring together students from engineering and biology and to train them in transdisciplinary information exchange.
Objective
In-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of light microscopy as a means to study life processes on the tissue, cellular, and molecular scale. An explicit objective of this class is to bring together students from engineering and biology and to train them in transdisciplinary information exchange.
Content
Theory of image formation in the light microscope. Components (optics, cameras) and alignment of a microscope. Aspects of resolution. Super-resolution microscopy (HELM, model-based image analysis). Non-fluorescent contrast modes: bright-field, dark-field, phase contrast, differential interference contrast (DIC). Fluorescent labelling techniques. Epi-fluorescence. Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy. Multi-photon fluorescence microscopy. Specialized techniques: Fluorescent Speckle Microscopy to measure dynamics of protein assemblies in living cells; Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) to measure diffusion processes; Fluorescent Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS); Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) to measure molecular interactions. Hybrid microscopes.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Class notes and special papers will be distributed
Literature
Recommended for further reading are: 1.) Hecht E. Optics, 3rd ed. (1998), Addison Wesley, Reading 2.) Inoué S. and Spring, K. Video Microscopy 2nd ed. (1997), Plenum Press, New York. 3.) Pawley, J.B. editor Handbook of biological confocal microscopy 2nd ed. (1995) Plenum Press, New York.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Quantitative and Analytical Light Microscopy |
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise |
Quantitative and Analytical Light Microscopy
Blockkurs in der 1. Semesterferienwoche im Frühjahr (13.-17.2.2006)
|
No time listed | 16 h semesterly |