Course: Microscopical Techniques

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Course title Microscopical Techniques
Course code ZOO/MKTSB
Organizational form of instruction Exercise
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study 1
Semester Winter
Number of ECTS credits 2
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Veselý Milan, doc. RNDr. Ph.D.
  • Baláž Vojtech, Mgr. Ph.D.
Course content
Structure, optical principles, adjustment, and maintenance of compound light microscopes and stereomicroscopes; Köhler illumination and basic contrast techniques; principles of scientific drawing; temporary wet mounts and vital staining; fixation, dehydration, and staining of zoological material; mounting media (Canada balsam, synthetic media, and glycerol gelatin); preparation, cleaning, ringing, labelling, and storage of permanent slides; blood and other smears; laboratory safety and chemical handling.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Monologic Lecture(Interpretation, Training), Activating (Simulations, Games, Dramatization)
Learning outcomes
To teach students the correct and safe use of a compound light microscope and stereomicroscope and to develop basic skills in the preparation, staining, documentation, and storage of zoological microscope slides.
The student sets up and correctly uses a compound light microscope and stereomicroscope and selects appropriate magnification and illumination. The student prepares a temporary wet mount and a simple permanent slide, performs vital staining or prepares a smear, documents the observed object by means of a scientific drawing, and recognizes common preparation artefacts.
Prerequisites
Basic laboratory skills and secondary-school-level knowledge of biology; ability to comply with laboratory and safety instructions.

Assessment methods and criteria
Written exam, Student performance

Attendance at all practical classes, compliance with laboratory safety requirements, submission of complete and accurate laboratory records or drawings, practical completion of the prescribed preparations, and a final written or practical assessment.
Recommended literature
  • Buchar, J. (1993):. Práce ze zoologie. II. Vydání. - Karolinum. Praha. 257 pp..
  • Habrová, V. (1979):. Biologická technika. SPN, Praha.191pp..
  • Knoz, J., Opravilová, V.(1992). Základy mikroskopické techniky.- Skriptum MU, Brno. 195 pp..
  • Nechyporuk-Zloy, V. Principles of Light Microscopy: From Basic to Advanced. Cham. 2022.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): Biology and Ecology (2020) Category: Biology courses 1 Recommended year of study:1, Recommended semester: Winter