BSC 656: Microscopical Techniques

Laboratory Policies, Schedule and Samples

Spring 2008

Smith-Somerville Lab: 416 Biology Building
Electron Microscope Laboratory: 101 Biology Building

Use of Equipment

Instruction on microscope operation, sectioning of samples and printing is scheduled by appointment.  Please confirm that equipment is free before making an appointment and reserve equipment at time appointment is made.  Allow 3 hours for each appointment on microscopes and microtome.

Microscopes, microtomes and print darkroom, located in the Optical Analysis Facility, 101 Biology Building, are reserved on calendars in MyBama. Note both beginning time and the duration of the session.

  1. The BSC 656 calendar will be used to schedule the ultramicrotomes and darkroom in the Optical Analysis Facility. The OAF TEM and OAF SEM and confocal calendars will be used to sehedule the microscopes.
    1. To join the BSC 656 group
      1. Log onto MyBama
      2. Click Groups icon in upper right corner
      3. Click Groups Index tab
      4. Click Class-Related Groups folder  under Group Studio
      5. Click BSC 656
      6. Click Join
    2. To join the TEM and SEM groups
      1. Click Departmental Groups folder under Group Studio
      2. Click on OAF TEM or OAF SEM
      3. Click Join
    3. I must change the permission setting foryou to post to the calendar
      1. Email me if you are not able to post to the calendar within a reasonable time
  2. There is a calendar for the confocal microscope (Confocal).  Dr. Stephenson is in charge of this group.
    1. Join the Confocal group if you anticipate using the confocal microscope after the course
      1. Log onto MyBama
      2. Click Groups icon in upper right corner
      3. Click Groups Index tab
      4. Click Departmental Groups > Academic Affairs > Arts & Sciences under Group Studio
      5. Click Confocal under Groups in Arts & Sciences
      6. Click Join
      7. Email Dr. Ed Stephenson to request permission to post to the calendar
The microscopes are to be used only when an instructor is present until you are given permission to use them alone.  After this, you may use the microscope when a person familiar with the microscope is available in case of emergency.  The microtome may be used alone after initial instruction.

Instruction

All instruction on TEM, SEM and microtome must be completed 1 month before the end of classes. After this, we will be available for consultation and assistance.

Rules of the Laboratory
  • Read Chapter 21, Safety in the Electron Microscope Laboratory in Electron Microscopy, Principles and Techniques for Biologists, 2nd Edition
  • Many of the chemicals used in electron microscopy are toxic and/or carcinogenic.
    • Wear gloves and handle these chemicals carefully.
    • Do not pipet by mouth.
    • Notify instructor of any spills immediately.
    • Osmium tetroxide is to be opened and used only under the hood. It will fix your nose just as well as it fixes your sample.
  • Clean up and wash your own glassware. We do not have an assistant for this purpose.

 

Required Samples
    1. Specimen for TEM
    2. Specimen for SEM 
    3. Negatively stained sample for TEM
    4. Samples for light microscopy
      • Thick section from TEM sample
      • Digital prints of fluorescence and corresponding bright-field, phase contrast or DIC /Variel contrast images
    5. Confocal laser scanning image

Laboratory Schedule

January

29

Specimen for TEM

Meet in 416 Biology Building

February

19

Specimen for SEM

Meet in 416 Biology Building

March

11

Coating grids and negative staining

Meet in EM Lab, 101 Biology Building

April

1

Specimen for Fluorescence & Confocal Microscopy

Meet in 416 Biology Building

Updated January 6, 2003