1 credit
Spring 2026 Laboratory Upper Division
In this five-week module, students will learn how to prepare specimens for viewing by fluorescence microscopy. Specimens include mammalian tissue culture cells and zebrafish embryos. The emphasis will be on the staining of the cytoskeleton in these preparations, utilizing antibodies and fluorescence probes. The specimens will be viewed by wide-field and confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy. Images will be acquired, processed and analyzed by modern computational methods. Students will learn the basics of cell culture, immunocytochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, digital image processing and data analysis. At the end of the course, students prepare a PowerPoint presentation of their images and data.
Learning Outcomes1Students demonstrate proficiency with skills needed by practicing biologists, including experimental design and execution, biological techniques, data collection and documentation, communication of results, and responsible conduct of science.
2Students demonstrate the ability to discuss ethical issues in the application of biological sciences, and the impact of science on society.
3Students demonstrate skills in critical thinking. These skills include understanding scientific methods, solving biology-related problems, interpreting and analyzing primary literature in biology, and interpreting data in a meaningful way.
Prerequisites
made by Purdue students.