Flow Cytometry Courses
Flow Cytometry has been established in research and clinical laboratories for over 30 years and is a crucial technique in many investigations. However, the appreciation of how cytometers work and how best to set up and optimise an experiment is often lacking. Established in 2014 these highly successful courses are designed by experts in flow cytometry and aimed at those relatively new to the field. The modular design of the courses allows delegates to build on knowledge from one course to the next, giving them the opportunity to implement ‘best practises’ and ultimately improving their flow cytometry experiments. It is recommended that delegates attend both modules.
Module 1:
This module is aimed at those new to flow cytometry and those wanting to understand the basics of the technology before attending Module 2. This can be taken as a standalone course or can be taken as a building block for the next module. The course starts with an introduction to this quickly evolving technology, its importance and resources that are available.
One of the main aims of this course is to give the delegate a firm understanding of fluorescence, fluorochromes and the workings of a cytometer. This is followed by talks on fluorescence compensation, sample preparation, basics of experimental design, data analysis and reporting your flow cytometry data.
It is highly recommended that all delegates attend Module 1 before attending Module 2, even those with years of experience in flow cytometry. This is to ensure that all participants get the most out of the modules and to confirm that the basics of flow cytometry have been grasped before tackling more advanced topics in Module 2. This course covers the fundamentals of the technology and builds up the knowledge of the delegates through a series of lectures, exercises, practical examples and interactive learning.
The learning objectives of Module 1 are:
- Gain an overview of the technology and its uses.
- Have a understanding of how a cytometer works
- Recognise the need for good sample preparation
- Understand appropriate fluorochrome choice
- Appreciate the importance of fluorescence compensation
- Be able to design a simple flow cytometry experiment
- Have a greater understanding on how to optimise your results
- Be able to communicate your results to your peers
Module 2:
The follow up two day module takes the knowledge from Module 1 and builds on it to give the delegates confidence in designing, running, analysing and presenting their flow cytometry data. Following an introduction to the module, the delegates will hear about cytometer performance including optimisation and troubleshooting.
There are sessions on multicolour flow cytometry giving delegates invaluable experience in multi-colour compensation and experimental planning including panel design. The varied applications of flow cytometry are explained including cell sorting, apoptosis and functional studies.
Delegates are taken through experiments, step by step including, planning, executing, analysing and presenting data.
NB We strongly encourage delegates to attend Module 1 before Module 2 as these are linked Modules.
The learning objectives of Module 2 are:
- Be able to better plan and execute an experiment
- Be able to use appropriate controls in an experiment
- Understand the set up a cytometer to ensure optimal data is produced
- Be able to plan an experiment of 4-12 colours
- Be able to carry out data analysis of acquired data and present it for publication
- Be able to assess publication quality material
- Understand the common problems with experiments and instrumentation and how to troubleshoot them
Why were these courses set up?
Both Derek and Rachael are very experienced Cytometrists who have many years experience in teaching flow cytometry. They recognised the need for a training course that would allow beginners to the field to quickly be able to use the technology and then to be able to build on the basics to plan and implement optimised flow cytometry experiments. They were awarded a BBSRC MTP grant in April 2014 which allowed these courses to be established.
To support the growth of these courses, especially in the Industrial field, a scientific advisory board was also established. The members of this board help to steer these courses and are drawn from academia, large pharma, small biotechs and cytometry technology companies.
Who are the courses aimed at?
Although the original MTP grant was for ‘Flow Cytometry training and Education for Industry’, the course is available for scientists from all aspects of Industry, students and academic delegates.
What is included in the face to face course?
Refreshment: To support your learning, you will be provided with unlimited refreshments and a 5* lunch. This starts with pre-course drink and pastries, followed by morning tea and biscuits. All dietary needs are taken into consideration (must be supplied when booking on the course). A selection of biscuits and hot drinks are available for a mid afternoon pick up.