BIOPL 4500 - [Light and Video Microscopy for Biologists]

(PBS)

Fall. 3 credits.

Prerequisite: two majors-level biology courses. Next offered 2014-2015. (Offered alternate years) Permission of instructor required.

R. O. Wayne.

Students learn the relationship between reality and the image using philosophy, mathematics, and physical theory. Next they apply these tools theoretically and in practice to understand and become experts at image formation and analysis using brightfield, darkfield, phasecontract, fluorescence, polarization, interference, differential interference, and modulation contrast microscopes. They build upon our knowledge and experience to understand how analog image processors and digital image processors can influence, enhance, and analyze the images gathered by the microscope. Last they learn about many other kinds of microscopes, including confocal, near field, x-ray, acoustic, nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, centrifuge, atomic force, and scanning tunneling microscopes.

Outcome 1: After successfully completing Light and Video Microscopy, students should be able to:Describe the relationship between an object and its image.

Outcome 2: Describe how light interacts with matter to yield information about the structure, composition and local environment of biological and other specimens.

Outcome 3: Describe how optical systems work. This will permit us to interpret the images obtained at high resolution and magnification.

Outcome 4: Gain practical experience with many types of light microscopy, and learn the procedures and the tricks necessary to become an excellent microscopist.

Outcome 5: While no academic knowledge is presupposed, in this class, the student will be taught how to integrate philosophical and historical thinking, mathematical skills, as well as physical, chemical and biological insight to become an accomplished, scientifically accurate and accomplished microscopist with an artistic eye.