PLSCI 4530

Light and Video Microscopy for Biologists

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

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.

Prerequisites Recommended prerequisite: college-level biology course.

Last 4 Terms Offered 2024FA, 2020FA, 2018FA, 2014FA

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the relationship between an object and its image.
• Describe how light interacts with matter to yield information about the structure, composition and local environment of biological and other specimens.
• Describe how optical systems work. This will permit us to interpret the images obtained at high resolution and magnification.
• Gain practical experience with many types of light microscopy, and learn the procedures and the tricks necessary to become an excellent microscopist.
• 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.

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