Prerequisites:
Fundamentals of Cell Biology (01:146:270) or Essentials of Cell Biology and Neuroscience (01:146:295)
Course Materials:
The course material will consist of lecture slides, assigned reading materials and supplemental videos illustrating key concepts.
Course Description:
This course is offered each Spring semester and is intended primarily for life science majors. It counts as Lab credit. Other students with background knowledge in Cell biology may also take this course.
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of advanced imaging techniques essential for studying tissues, cells, and organelles in the life sciences. Through a blend of lectures and hands-on laboratory sessions, students will be introduced to a diverse array of methodologies, enabling them to investigate biological structures across various scales, ranging from molecules to organisms. The course will cover a spectrum of imaging modalities, including conventional light microscopy, fluorescent microscopy, cutting-edge high-resolution light microscopy, and image analysis modalities.
Course Syllabus:
Course Satisfies Learning Goals:
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Understanding Optical Principles: Students should grasp the basic optical principles underlying light microscopy, including concepts such as refraction, reflection, magnification, and resolution.
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Mastering Microscopy Techniques: Students should acquire proficiency in using light microscopes, including handling and adjusting various components of the microscope to optimize image quality.
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Sample Preparation Skills: Students should learn techniques for preparing samples for microscopy, including fixation, staining, and mounting, ensuring samples are adequately prepared for observation.
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Interpretation of Microscopic Images: Students should develop the ability to interpret images obtained through light microscopy, including identifying cellular structures, analyzing spatial relationships, and understanding the implications of observed phenomena.
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Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Students should cultivate critical thinking skills and the ability to troubleshoot common issues encountered during microscopy experiments, such as suboptimal sample preparation or image artifacts.
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Experimental Design and Optimization: Students should learn to design experiments involving light microscopy effectively, considering factors such as sample type, staining methods, and microscope settings to achieve reliable and meaningful results.
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Data Analysis and Presentation: Students should be able to analyze data obtained from microscopy experiments, employ appropriate image analysis tools and software, and effectively present their findings through visual representations and written reports.
By achieving these learning goals, students can develop a strong foundation in light microscopy that prepares them for further studies or careers in fields such as biology, biomedical sciences, materials science, and beyond.
Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy:
ASSESSMENT / GRADING COMPONENTS
Throughout the duration of this course, students will be tasked with completing weekly lab reports, totaling five reports in all. These reports will serve as a comprehensive record of the microsocpic techniques discussed in class. Additionally, as a culmination of the course, students will prepare and submit a virtual poster and present it during the final week. This poster will focus on a specific microscopic technique, providing an in-depth exploration of its principles, applications, and advantages. Through these assignments, students will not only engage with hands-on laboratory work but also develop the ability to effectively communicate scientific concepts and findings.
WEIGHTING OF ASSESSMENTS
Each lab report will carry significant weight in the overall evaluation, accounting for 15% of the final grade. The poster, due during the last week of class will constitute 20% of the final grade. The last 5% to the final grade will be in class participation. Through consistent engagement and thoughtful contributions, students can demonstrate their comprehension of course materials and enhance their overall performance.
Lab reports (5x 15%) = 75%
Poster = 20%
Class participation = 5%
TOTAL = 100%
Grading scale: A >90, B+ >87, B >80, C+ >77, C >70, D >60, F <59
Rubrics for lab reports, poster presentations and attendance grading can be found here:
Imaging Course Documents
Student Support and Mental Wellness
Technology Challenges
Please visit the Rutgers Student Tech Guide page for resources available to all students. If you do not have the appropriate technology for financial reasons, please email the Dean of Students at
Disability Services
Lucy Stone Hall, Suite A145, Livingston Campus, 54 Joyce Kilmer Avenue, Piscataway,
NJ 08854, Phone: (848) 445-6800
https://ods.rutgers.edu/
Rutgers University welcomes students with disabilities into all of the University's educational programs. To receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, a student with a disability must contact the appropriate disability services office where they are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation: https://ods.rutgers.edu/students/documentation-guidelines. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus’s disability services office will provide you with a Letter of Accommodation. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. To begin this process, please complete the Registration form on the ODS website at: https://webapps.rutgers.edu/student-ods/forms/registration.
Other Links for Student Support and Mental Wellness
Student Success Essentials: https://success.rutgers.edu
Student Support Services: https://www.rutgers.edu/academics/student-support
The Learning Centers: https://rlc.rutgers.edu/
Rutgers Libraries: https://www.libraries.rutgers.edu/
Bias Incident Reporting: https://studentaffairs.rutgers.edu/bias-incident-reporting
Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services: https://veterans.rutgers.edu
Student Health Services: http://health.rutgers.edu/
Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services (CAPS): http://health.rutgers.edu/medical-counseling-services/counseling/
UWill: free immediate access to teletherapy; you can choose a therapist based on your preferences including issue, gender, language, ethnicity. http://health.rutgers.edu/uwill/
Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance: vpva.rutgers.edu/
Basic Needs Assistance (food, housing, and other essentials): https://ruoffcampus.rutgers.edu/basic-needs
Rutgers Student Food Pantry: https://ruoffcampus.rutgers.edu/food-pantry
Course Director:
Prof. Zainab Tanvir (
** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.
