The Microscopy Facility is student-centered: not only are independent research students its primary users, numerous courses use the equipment in the facility (2035) and in its neighboring classroom (2033). The Facility also hosts middle-school and high-school classes for microscopy learning experiences.

Links to online references and learning resources.

Integrated digital classroom (2033)

• 8 phase contrast, 8 DIC, and 16 stereoscopes, all with digital cameras
• All computer stations integrated with instructor station for screen sharing

Courses: Animal Development (BIO316), Immunology (BIO343), Medical Parasitology (BIO420), Biology and Art (BIO426), Light Microscopy (BIO432/532), Human Histology (BIO482)

BIO 432/532: Light Microscopy

This course covers the principles behind light microscopy, from the properties of light to the latest technologies in microscopy. Students will get hands-on experience with the different kinds of microscopes, including the confocal microscope. The course also covers fluorescent probes, advanced fluorescence techniques, digital imaging, methods of quantification and figure preparation for publication, with an emphasis on biological applications. Offered in the fall.

Light Microscopy Course Photoblog: Each week during the class the students bring in an object – it can be anything – and take a picture of it through a microscope, then post it to the class photoblog. As we make our way through the semester, they learn new techniques, which start to pop up in the posts. At the end of semester, faculty in the department vote for their favorite image in our annual Microscopy Photo Contest.

Middle-/High-School Outreach Events

All outreach events are now coordinated through the College of Science and Math's Center for STEM Education and Outreach. Please see the STEM Center Field Trips page for more information. Our current Field Trip offering is: Investigating Cell Movement through Scientific Inquiry.