Cryo-EM sample preparation and data collection course 20th-22nd of October
The purpose of the course is to prepare and train Cryo-EM facility users in sample preparation methods, introduce users to the image data acquisition workflow, expand knowledge about cryo-EM methods among researchers and show that everyone can learn how to use cryo-EM for structure and cell biology.
The course is open for facility users or potential facility users, such as PhD students, postdocs, and researchers within the life sciences who are curious and will profit from cryo-EM skills. Swedish and international course participants are welcome. To attend, the course participants must have experience in basic electron microscopy and be familiar with structure or cell biology.
This course is supported by SciLifeLab, CryoNET and Umeå University and organized by the SciLifeLab Cryo-EM facility, both UmU and SU nodes together.
Important dates Application should be submitted before September 17, 2021 Confirmation to accepted participants: September 22, 2021
Course organizers Camilla Holmlund and Michael Hall
Location UCEM and Chemical Biological Centre (KBC) Building Umeå University Linnaeus väg 6
Teachers and course instructors
Linda Sandblad
Michael Hall
Lars-Anders Carlson
Camilla Holmlund
Additional teachers t.b.a
Social program A social program depending on the current corona restriction will be communicated to the participants after acceptance.
Course fee A course fee of 800 SEK, including coffee and lunches, will be invoiced to accepted participants after acceptance.
Course content This course will cover practical aspects of cryo-EM sample preparation and data acquisition. Topics covered:
Basic theory of vitreous water, how to handle a cryo sample and consequences
Plunge freezing methods, tools and cryo-transfer
Sample and instrument requirements for single particle and tomography methods
Image data acquisition, concept of low dose and the cryo-specific workflow
Introduction to automatic data acquisition software, EPU, Tomography
Introduction to cryo-EM image processing methods
The course consists of lectures, cryo lab work, demonstrations and practical exercises for all participants, hands-on experiences of microscopy operation and discussions. A detailed schedule will be provided to accepted participant.
Course literature Handouts and material online.
Entry requirements Priority will be given to researchers involved in project where the use of cryo-EM is needed, which are to be briefly described upon application.
The course will be held at an advanced level, assuming that participants have a master’s degree or equivalent in a technical life science discipline. It aims to be relevant for a broad research community, also to participants not working in research environments using cryo-EM today.
A maximum of 15 participants will be admitted. Selection criteria include correct entry requirements, motivation to attend the course as well as gender balance.
Examination Participation in all parts of the course, lectures, lab, microscopy demonstrations and evaluation are mandatory. SciLifeLab and Umeå University will provide successful participants with a course certificate and a recommendation for 1 ECTS
