Motivation The advanced microscopy of materials course will cover light, e-beam imaging (scanning-electron and transmission-electron microscopy), and atomic-force microscopy (AFM) hands-on experience. The course will offer a platform for participants to explore intricate cellular dynamics and material interactions. This course will provide students with essential tools and knowledge for probing living systems, engineering, environmental and biomaterials. Objectives The primary objective of this practical course is to equip participants with the proficiency to wield advanced microscopy techniques effectively. Through a combination of theoretical insights and dominant hands-on experience, participants will achieve the following goals: Fluorescence microscopy mastery. Students will comprehend the principles underlying fluorescence microscopy and its variants, including cutting-edge methods. By grasping the intricacies of sample preparation for immunofluorescence and live imaging, participants will become adept at working with diverse biological samples. Electron microscopy proficiency. Trainees will delve into the world of electron microscopy, gaining competence in both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). From classic preparation techniques to modern cryo methods important for biological samples, students will explore the preparation and imaging of biological samples and materials at the greatest resolutions. Atomic-force microscopy. Students will understand the methods of probing topography with modern imaging modes. They will learn how to probe and understand the mechanism of the nanomechanical response of materials and cells. Students will also understand the AFM artefacts (drift, tip damage, geometrical limitations, scanner errors and others), and learn how to identify them correctly to obtain reproducible data reflecting the real state of a sample. Sample handling expertise. Students will learn the critical art of sample handling, ranging from coating surfaces for immunofluorescence to preparing biological samples for electron microscopy or AFM. This expertise is crucial for obtaining reliable and reproducible results. Image Analysis and Processing. A comprehensive understanding of imaging extends beyond image acquisition. Students will gain proficiency in digital image processing, exploring basic image analysis methods such as particle analysis, elasticity mapping, composition mapping etc. This skill will enable them to extract meaningful quantitative data from microscopy images. This also concerns correct data interpretation. Acquired skills and knowledge Upon completing this hands-on training course, participants will possess a valuable set of skills and knowledge essential for advancing their careers in the field of environmental and biomaterial research: Microscopy technique mastery. Participants will be adept at operating various microscopy techniques, including fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, SEM, TEM, cryo-TEM, and AFM. Sample preparation proficiency. Participants will be equipped to prepare diverse biological and different types of soft and hard materials for light, electron, and atomic microscopy. Advanced Imaging Insight. Participants will possess insights into advanced imaging techniques, enabling them to select and apply the most appropriate method for specific research objectives. The theoretical part of the course and the laboratory will be structured as follows. 1. Fluorescence microscopy 2. Electron microscopy (biological and material sample preparation and imaging) 3. Atomic-force microscopy (biological or hard material sample preparation and imaging) More information on the course structure is specified in the website link.
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