Confocal Microscopy Training

BIF has two Confocal systems — a Leica SP5 Confocal Laser Scanning System and a Zeiss 510 Meta/ConfoCor3 System. These two systems are fairly similar and both produce quality images. If you need advice about which microscope is best suited for your research, please contact our confocal specialist, Paul Brannon.

Leica Confocal: The training is 3 days and is typically held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Training begins at 9am and goes until 12pm.
Training for the Leica costs $180 per person (NU Affiliated rate; external users should request rates). Training sessions are limited to 3 people.

During these sessions, you will learn how to optimize and capture images of multiple fluorophores using both standard and inverted microscopes. The Monday session is based largely on imaging standard slides. For the Wednesday and Friday session, trainees are encouraged to bring in research specimens for imaging.

Zeiss Confocal: The training is 2 days and is typically held on Tuesday and Thursday. Training begins at 9am and goes until 12pm.
Training for the Zeiss costs $180 per person (NU Affiliated rate; external users should request rates).
Training sessions are limited to 2 people.

During these sessions, you will learn how to optimize and capture images of multiple fluorophores. The Tuesday session is based largely on imaging standard slides. For the Thursday session, trainees are encouraged to bring in research specimens for imaging.

BIF does not offer training every week on the confocal microscopes. Generally training is offered every other week — however, this is dependent on availability.

Transmission Electron Microscopy Training

BIF has a JEOL 1230 TEM. If you have questions regarding the capabilities of the TEM and how it relates with your research, please contact our EM specialistt, Charlene Wilke.

Training consists of 3 days, and is typically held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Training begins at 9am and goes until 12pm.
Training for the TEM costs $155 per person (NU Affiliated rate; external users should request rates). Training is limited to 3 people.

During the first session, you will be working almost exclusively with a standard sample. If you have material that you would like to image, plan to bring it with you on Wednesday or Friday. Bring a blank CD-R with you in case you want to save any images.

All users must complete basic room temperature TEM training before beginning cryo-TEM and Vitrobot training. There is no set time after your TEM training is complete as to when you can begin cryo-training. This decision is made by BIF Management and Specialists after a user has displayed adequate skill in room temperature TEM processes.

BIF does not offer training every week for the TEM. Generally training is offered every other week — however, this is dependent on availability.

Specimen Preparation Training

BIF offers training on all specimen preparation equipment by appointment only. For information regarding our specimen prep equipment, please visit our equipment page or contact Charlene Wilke for technical questions.

Specimen prep training is not offered on a regular basis — please contact BIF Staff (847-467-0374) to set up a training.

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Biological Imaging Facility | Hogan 5-110, 5-120, 5-150
2205 Tech Drive | Evanston, IL 60208 | 847.467.0374