BIO 314: Advanced Microscopy Techniques for Research
Term: Fall 2023
Instructor: Judith Wopereis
Instrument specific course highly recommended for students interested in using state-of-the-art microscopy techniques in research (special studies, honors, SURF, etc.). Participants get exposure to basic and advanced light and electron microscopy techniques available at Smith. Mechanical and optical components will be reviewed. Operational parameters for improving image quality and data collection using digital imaging and image analysis techniques will be discussed. Emphasis is on the use of these exciting technologies performing quality and up-to-date research in many disciplines ranging from the live science and geology to art and engineering. Evaluation will be through engagement in assigned activities. 400-level work cannot overlap with this course work. S/U only. Enrollment limited to 12.
#1
Micrographs (#1-5) of various samples acquired by students in this course using.
#1: Brightfield micrograph of mouse skeletal muscle tissue stained with toluidine blue. Image acquired by Kyla, Teddy and Ambar.
#2: SEM of fossilized foraminifera from the East Indian Ocean. Image acquired by Eyananda and Katie.
#3: SEM of a radiolarian, a single celled eukaryote, from slimy mud sediment ‘Oose’ in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean. Image acquired by Nicole and Julian.
#4: SEM micrograph of a diatom collected from a fresh water body in the Lyman Plant House at Smith College. Image acquired by Josi and Hayley.
#5: SEM of a pitcher plant showing trichomes, hairlike structures pointing downwards. Image acquired by Celeste and Ruzhuo.