ELECTRON MICROSCOPY SYLLABUS

Biology 404 and 404G Fall 2008

4 credits

Lecture: 8:00-8:55 MW TCNW Rm 101

Lab: two 2.5 hour labs per week TBA in TCNW Rm 104 and Rm 108

Instructor: Dr. John Andersland

Rm 108 TCNW

phone: 5-5993

e-mail: john.andersland@wku.edu

Office Hours: By appointment.

Req. Readings: Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy by Flegler et al.

(two copies are on reserve in Cravens Library)

Goals: Biology 404 is an intensive laboratory course designed to prepare students to use scanning and transmission electron microscopes in scientific research. In this course, students will learn:

- theories and procedures of microscope operation,

- basic methods of sample preparation,

- techniques for obtaining publication-quality micrographs.

Grading: Grading will be on a straight scale (A=90-100%, B=80-89% etc.). Grades will be based on:

three essay exams 50%

one portfolio 50%

The essay exams will cover lecture material, and will tentatively be on September 29th, November 3rd and December 3rd. Exam reviews will be held from 8-8:55AM in Rm 101 on the Friday before each exam.

There will also be two pass/fail lab practicals on the proper use of the electron microscopes. You must pass these practicals to pass the course.

The portfolio will contain a minimum of six mounted pictures together with descriptive legends. It should include at least:

- two pictures from the SEM,

- two pictures from the TEM,

- one picture of thin-sectioned material.

The remainder of the pictures are of the student's choosing, ideally relating to his/her research interests.

The portfolio of 404 students will be graded based on their demonstrated understanding of the subject material.

Students of 404G must prepare their micrographs in the form of "plates" suitable for submission to a journal of their choice. Their grade will be based on the quality of the micrographs, plates and legends submitted.