Developing scientific communication and technical skills using fluorescence microscopy modules in an undergraduate cell biology course

Modern light microscopy methods, which have provided revolutionary improvements in our ability to visualize molecular mechanisms in human cells and tissues, are used routinely in academic, industrial, and healthcare laboratories. We developed a 6-week introductory course, aimed at students in the third or fourth year of undergraduate biomedical studies with no or minimal microscopy experience, to help them better understand and utilize these techniques. Through a combination of lecture-based learning and highly interactive hands-on workshops, students are first shown the principles that underlie a particular imaging-based assay and then given the opportunity to perform the assay themselves. In addition to standard assays such as multiwavelength imaging of fluorescent reporter molecules and protein colocalization analyses, lab modules have been designed to allow students to carry out high-end assays such as live and super-resolution imaging using conventional widefield fluorescence microscopes. A final active learning session addresses the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of imaging data. Students then use data they collected themselves to create figures suitable for publication in a research article. According to student feedback, this is appreciated as a highly interactive course that puts theory into practice right away, providing knowledge and skills that can be applied outside of the classroom.