Single Particle Cryo-EM Course for Beginners - September 2024
Course details
The course will be held in person at The Astbury Biostructure Laboratory (University of Leeds).
Course dates: 23rd-27th September 2024
Registration is now closed.
Description
This course is a part of our cryo-EM Wellcome/MRC training program tailored for PhD students and postdocs who wish to use single particle cryo-EM for their research but have very little or no prior experience in this method.
The aim of the course is to give a theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the entire cryo-EM single particle analysis workflow including negative stain TEM, cryo-EM sample preparation, cryo-EM screening and data collection using our Titan Krios microscopes, and an introductory overview of the data processing.
The course is limited to 12 participants, which are encouraged to send their protein samples or cryo-EM grids for testing, screening and potential data collection during the practical sessions. Samples should be delivered no later than September 6th.
We offer financial support for travel and accommodation to participants with limited access to funding. This support includes reimbursement of travel expenses up to £250, and accommodation for five nights in a budget hotel. Any expenses exceeding these amounts will need to be covered by the participants.
Course Details
Day 1 will begin with lectures and theory. In the afternoon, participants will present their research projects during a poster session.
Days 2-4: Attendees will engage in practical sessions organized in small groups of three or four. These sessions will cover a variety of topics, including:
- Negative stain grid preparation and screening
- Cryo-EM grid preparation
- Cryo-grid screening on a Titan Krios microscope
- Setting up a data collection
Each participant will receive approximately 3 hours of direct, hands-on experience with Titon Krios microscope. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to observe and learn from their peers.
Day 5 will be dedicated to image processing concepts and key software. Participants will also engage in hands-on processing of a small model dataset.
For the image processing each participant will be required to bring their own laptop and a mouse.
Organisers
The course is organised by The Astbury Biostructure Laboratory (University of Leeds) together with Midlands Regional Cryo-EM Facility (University of Leicester) in partnership with Birkbeck college (University of London), Scottish Centre for Macromolecular Imaging (University of Glasgow) and eBIC (Diamond light source).
Please contact EMcourses@leeds.ac.uk for more information.