Written Practicum Report (110 points) Due Nov 1, 2002

Please hand in the following for your practicum report.  Items 2 AND 3 should be TYPED.

1. (20 pts) xerox of your practicum notes.
2. (15 pts) list of questions raised by lasersharp tutorial, handson training sesions, BioRad video, your efforts to view your slides and to scan them etc etc. This will help me identify points of confusion that may be addressed beforehand in future courses.
3. (75 pts) a written statement of procedures that should be followed by all users when they use the system. Include guidelines on how to turn on components, how to access and scan, and how the system should be left for the next user i.e leave objective on 10X, laser shutter on open, cover scope but NOT the lamp. you may prepare this part with your team partner and just put both names on the paperwork.. I will use this input to generate a master document based on all our observations.

Term Paper: Proposal for Confocal Study (150 points) Due Nov 15, 2002

Your term paper should be typed and double-spaced.  It should propose a confocal study, ideally related to your current research.  Assemble the parts as follows:

1. Title
2. Abstract (250 words). Summarize the project goals, what will be done, and significance. WRITE THIS LAST!
3. Background and Significance. (2-3 pages) Identify your scientific question and how the confocal imaging approach will advance your goals
4. Experimental plan.  (4-8 pages) Design your experiment and describe your methods.  Suggestions include:

Explain why you chose your fluorophore.  Show excitation-emission spectra and explain why these are good choices for the BioRad 1024 system (Hint: include figures from the BioRad fluorophore filter selections site http://microscopy.bio-rad.com/fluorescence/fluorophora.htm.)

Discuss signal to noise issues and sample preparation concerns.

For feasibility, include an image you scanned yourself on the BioRad in the practicum either to show your technical expertise or to show preliminary data.

Expected results

Potential pitfalls/alternative approaches

Data analysis

Time table for the study

5. References