IMAGING STRUCTURE & FUNCTION IN THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
July 21 - August 10, 2015
Application Deadline: April 15, 2015

Instructors:
Michael Orger, Champalimaud Foundation, Portugal
Jack Waters, Allen Institute for Brain Science
Karen Zito, University of California Davis
Lucy Palmer, University of Melbourne, Australia

Part-time Instructors:
Florin Albeanu, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Philbert Tsai, University of California, San Diego

See the roll of honor - who's taken the course in the past

Advances in light microscopy, digital image processing, and the development of a variety of powerful fluorescent probes present expanding opportunities for investigating the nervous system, from synaptic spines to networks in the brain. This intensive laboratory and lecture course will provide participants with the theoretical and practical knowledge to utilize emerging imaging technologies. The primary emphasis of the course will be on vital light microscopy. Students will learn the principles of light microscopy, as well as use of different types of cameras, laser scanning systems, functional fluorophores, delivery techniques, and digital image-processing software. In addition to transmitted light microscopy for viewing cellular structure, the course will examine a variety of molecular probes of cell function, including calcium-sensitive dyes, optogenetic and photo-activatable molecules. Particular weight will be given to multi-photon laser scanning microscopy and to biological fluorophores, especially Green-Fluorescent Protein (GFP) and its variants. We will use a spectrum of neural and cell biological systems, including living animals, brain slices, and cultured cells.

Applicants should have a strong background in the neurosciences or in cell biology. In their personal statements, applicants should specify: 1) their experience with optical techniques, 2) how they will apply optical methods in their current projects, 3) the microscope systems available to them, and 4) their long-term goals in learning more about optical methods.

Lecturers in the 2014 course included: Julie Biteen, Karl Deisseroth, Winfried Denk, Daniel Dombeck, Valentina Emiliani, Florian Engert, Oliver Griesbeck, Na Ji, Karl Kilborn, Sandra Kuhlman, Fred Lanni, Jeff Lichtman, Leslie Loew, Jerome Mertz, Venkatesh Murthy, Jennifer Waters, Ryohel Yasuda

This course is supported in part by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund

Scientists from developing countries accepted into this course may be eligible for scholarships provided by the International Brain Research Organization 
 
Cost (including tuition, board and lodging): $4,705