1. • Microscopy: Understanding fundamental principles and what’s new
   

2. • Fundamentals of fluorescence
   

3. • Selecting a fluorescence microscopy system based on your specific needs
   

4. • Strategies to ensure optimal image collection
   

5. • Digital image analysis
   

6. • Imaging living cultured cells
   

7. • Ratio microscopy
   

8. • The spectrum of vital microscopy A, B
   

9. • Introduction to Volume Rendering
   

10. • Strategies of fluorescence labeling and sample preparation to maximize interpretation
    

11. • Choice of fluorescence probes
    

12. • Zebrafish as a model system
    

13. • Obtaining and optimizing a system of your own
    

14. • Frontiers of light microscopy
    

Exercises emphasized hands-on experience with multiple instruments for digital image collection and analysis. Participants conducted studies with the following equipment:

1. • Bio-Rad MRC-1024 confocal/multiphoton microscope
   

2. • Zeiss 510-NLO-META confocal/multiphoton microscope
   

3. • Zeiss 510-UV confocal microscope
   

4. • Perkin-Elmer Ultraview High-speed confocal microscope
   

5. • Applied Precision Deltavision image deconvolution microscope system
   

6. • Pentium-based image processing workstations with Metamorph and Voxx rendering software
   

 
Laboratory Exercises Included:

1. • Alignment and adjustment of the light microscope for transillumination and epifluorescence
   

2. • Collection of digital images: balancing the tradeoffs according to experimental needs
   

3. • Evaluating and optimizing a fluorescence microscope system: measuring efficiency and noise characteristics
   

4. • Collection and analysis of 3-dimensional images: digital deconvolution, confocal microscopy and multi-photon microscopy
   

5. • Imaging dynamics of living cells and tissues in 2 and 3 dimensions
   

6. • Intravital microscopy: multiphoton microscopy of the kidney of a living rat
   

7. • Quantitative microscopy: ratiometric ion studies and evaluations of co-localization
   

Participants were encouraged to bring experimental materials to the workshop as center equipment and faculty will be available during evening hours for investigators to conduct pilot studies.

2003 Course Faculty & Lecturers:

1. Simon Atkinson - Indiana University School of Medicine
   

2. Robert Bacallao - Indiana University School of Medicine
   

3. Dennis Brown - Harvard Medical School
   

4. Kenneth Dunn - Indiana University School of Medicine
   

5. Marshall Montrose - Indiana University School of Medicine
   

6. Carrie Phillips - Indiana University School of Medicine
   

7. Kenneth Spring - NIH, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
   

8. George Tanner - Indiana University School of Medicine
   

9. Sam Wells - Vanderbilt Medical Center