Basic Principle and Application of Electron Microscopy and Cryo-EM (JAN 2024 Term)

Objective

Electron microscopy (Cryo-EM). After completing this course, students will learn various components and functions of these components of EM, the principles of TEM, SEM, Cryo-SEM& Cryo-TEM, the operational procedures of these electron microscopes, biological and chemical sample preparation techniques (e.g., Biological Samples: bacteria, different types of cells, viruses ,protein, DNA-Protein, RNA-Protein complexes, liposomes, brain tissue, and tissues;
Chemical Samples: nanoparticles, liposomes-drugs/nanoparticles, various small peptides). Importantly, this course would be helpful for students to learn the imaging techniques of these biological and chemical samples by TEM/SEM/Cryo-EM and learn to analyze the data. Basic image processing will be taught in this course. Finally, 3-4
classes will be conducted to observe the sample preparation, imaging, and image analysis techniques. At the end of this course, students will be capable of handling the basic electron microscope, sample preparation, imaging, and image analysis.

Syllabus

Basic introduction to electron microscopy (TEM/SEM/Cryo-EM) and electron optics. Basic components of Transmission Electron Microscope, use of these components, various nobs, and function of these components. Principles of image formation, electron scattering, electron–specimen interactions, and various SEM/TEM/Cryo-EM imaging techniques. Advanced sample preparation, imaging, and data collection techniques of biomolecules by negative staining and cryo-electron microscopy. Theoretical, computational, and practical aspects of image analysis.