Optical Tools for Studying Living Systems

Catalog description

Light is an ideal way to interrogate physiology because it is relatively non-invasive yet versatile. This course will cover optical methods used in the study of cells and in vivo animal imaging including twophoton microscopy, super-resolution microscopy, optogenetics, the use of indicators and labels, calcium and voltage-sensitive indicator imaging, and bioluminescence. These methods will be studied from an optical, technical perspective as well as in the context of biology and physiology studies. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of imaging as well as physiology. Some experience with Matlab or any programming language will be helpful.