Advances in Optical Microscopy: From Single Molecules to Four-Dimensional Imaging - BCH2127H

Contemporary optical microscopy plays a central role in modern cell biology and biophysics. A variety of techniques have been developed to visualize and track organelles and even single molecules in live cells and organisms, and dedicated algorithms enable sophisticated analysis of the localization, shape, motion and other properties of defined structures. Recent developments have improved the resolution of optical microscopy below the diffraction limit that hampered fluorescence microscopy for decades. Moreover, allied techniques now enable the assessment of molecular diffusion, proximity, rotational motion, force etc., as well as cellular and organellar properties such as viscosity, tension and surface charge.  The course will describe and discuss topics including single-molecule tracking, several modes of super-resolution microscopy, photobleaching and photoactivation, fluorescence lifetime imaging, energy transfer, optical tweezers, multiphoton intravital microscopy, etc.

Start Date:  January 8, 2026
End Date: February 19, 2026
Class dates: Jan 8, 15, 29, Feb 5, 12, 19
Time: Thursdays 3pm to 5pm,
Location: PGCRL 11th floor room 11.9701

Method of Student Evaluation
Students will be evaluated based on their assigned presentation and general participation in discussions.

Course Coordinators
Sergio Grinstein, Spencer Freeman

Enrollment Limit
15