The aim of the course is to give PhD students a broad knowledge about the possibilities of using different microscopy methods on plant biology related research, both at basic and applied research. Course content is well-integrated to current research on plant biology and related areas, for example structural analyses of mutant and wildtype plants, plant-microbe interactions and localization of different substances in tissues by relevant methods. All examples are taken up from real research cases. The course gives basic introduction to light and electron microscopy, fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy as well as in situ hybridization and immunomicroscopy. During the case studies students will discuss of what kind of scientific questions different microscopy methods could give answers to and how to take to account time aspect, economical and other limitations. Though the main focus on the course is on plant material, the course is applicable for all biological samples.

Salla Marttila
Helle Martens
Alexander Schulz
Sissel Torre
Nina Nagy
et al.