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301053 UE Practical course on superresolution microscopy (2026S)
Continuous assessment of course work
Labels
Registration/Deregistration
Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).
- Registration is open from Th 12.02.2026 14:00 to Th 26.02.2026 18:00
- Deregistration possible until Th 26.02.2026 18:00
Details
max. 12 participants
Language: English
Lecturers
Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N
16.4.2026: Lectures 10-16
20-, 21-, 22.4.2026: Practical sessions 10 - ~17
meeting point in VBC5 (given on 16.4.), then distribution of groups to microscopy rooms
- Thursday 16.04. 10:00 - 16:00 BZB/Seminarraum 3, 6.Ebene 6.105, Dr.-Bohrgasse 9, 1030 Wien
Information
Aims, contents and method of the course
This intensive hands-on course provides a comprehensive introduction to the cutting-edge techniques that have bypassed the diffraction limit of light. Students will transition from theoretical foundations to independent operation of state-of-the-art nanoscopy systems. By the end of the course, participants will learn about the preparation, acquisition, and computational analysis of super-resolved microscopy data.
Assessment and permitted materials
The primary assessment for this course is a comprehensive technical protocol. This document must include:
1. A summary of the experimental parameters used at each station.
2. Figures generated during the practical sessions.
3. A comparative analysis of the results obtained across the three different modalities.Note: Due to the high-level nature of the equipment and the small group size (12 students total), attendance at all sessions is mandatory for successful completion.
1. A summary of the experimental parameters used at each station.
2. Figures generated during the practical sessions.
3. A comparative analysis of the results obtained across the three different modalities.Note: Due to the high-level nature of the equipment and the small group size (12 students total), attendance at all sessions is mandatory for successful completion.
Minimum requirements and assessment criteria
A positive assessment is only possible upon attending all sessions, performing tasks in the practical sessions, and compiling the final protocol and report:
- Continuous assessment (60%)
- Final protocol and report (40%)
- Continuous assessment (60%)
- Final protocol and report (40%)
Examination topics
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
• Explain the physical principles of fluorescence and the mechanisms used to overcome the Abbé diffraction limit.
• Identify the differences between STED, dSTORM, and MINFLUX platforms and understand the optimal conditions for each.
• Execute advanced image reconstruction and quantitative analysis using specialized software.
• Critically evaluate which super-resolution technique is best suited for specific biological questions.
• Explain the physical principles of fluorescence and the mechanisms used to overcome the Abbé diffraction limit.
• Identify the differences between STED, dSTORM, and MINFLUX platforms and understand the optimal conditions for each.
• Execute advanced image reconstruction and quantitative analysis using specialized software.
• Critically evaluate which super-resolution technique is best suited for specific biological questions.
Reading list
Point Spread Function (Jeff Lichtman, Harvard University) - https://www.ibiology.org/talks/point-spread-function/
Resolution of a Microscope (Jeff Lichtman, Harvard University) - https://www.ibiology.org/talks/resolution-of-a-microscope/
Lab: Abbe Diffraction Demonstration (Kurt Thorn, UCSF) - https://www.ibiology.org/talks/abbe-diffraction/
Introduction to Fluorescence Microscopy (Nico Stuurman, UCSF/HHMI) - https://www.ibiology.org/talks/fluorescence-microscopy/
Digital Image Analysis - https://www.ibiology.org/talks/digital-image-analysis/
Super-Resolution: Overview and Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) Microscopy (Stefan Hell, Max Planck Institute) - https://www.ibiology.org/talks/stimulated-emission-depletion/
Super-Resolution: Localization Microscopy (Bo Huang, UCSF) - https://www.ibiology.org/talks/super-resolution-localization-microscopy/
Direct vs Indirect Immunofluorescence - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgFYyieeA2c
Resolution of a Microscope (Jeff Lichtman, Harvard University) - https://www.ibiology.org/talks/resolution-of-a-microscope/
Lab: Abbe Diffraction Demonstration (Kurt Thorn, UCSF) - https://www.ibiology.org/talks/abbe-diffraction/
Introduction to Fluorescence Microscopy (Nico Stuurman, UCSF/HHMI) - https://www.ibiology.org/talks/fluorescence-microscopy/
Digital Image Analysis - https://www.ibiology.org/talks/digital-image-analysis/
Super-Resolution: Overview and Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) Microscopy (Stefan Hell, Max Planck Institute) - https://www.ibiology.org/talks/stimulated-emission-depletion/
Super-Resolution: Localization Microscopy (Bo Huang, UCSF) - https://www.ibiology.org/talks/super-resolution-localization-microscopy/
Direct vs Indirect Immunofluorescence - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgFYyieeA2c
Association in the course directory
MMB III-1a:, MMB III-2a:, MMB III-3a:, MMB III-4a:, MMB III-5a:
Last modified: Mo 27.07.2026 09:27