Course Number: BIOSC 101 
Theory and Practice of Microscopy
Units: 6
Class:  4 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory
Description: Comprehensive survey of cutting-edge biological microscopy, including brightfield, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy. Exploration of careers in biotech, research, and biomedical sciences. Fundamentals of lab safety and industrial and biomedical quality control. Exploration of bioethics. Laboratory includes extensive hands-on experience with digital brightfield, phase and epifluorescence microscopes, plus basics of specimen
preparation and digital image processing.


Course Number: BIOSC 102
Fluorescence Microscopy and Specimen Prep 
Units: 6
Class:  4 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory
Acceptable for credit: CSU
Description: Fundamentals of theory of optical microscopy as applied to image optimization, troubleshooting and experimental design. Basics of specimen preparation for microscopy, including tissue culture, indirect immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, histotechnology and histotechnological stains. Laboratory includes: project-based learning with digital microscopes, including DIC, phase, darkfield and wide field fluorescence; mammalian cell culture and asceptic technique; specimen preparation, including immunofluorescence and H&E staining.


Course Number: BIOSC 103
Confocal Microscopy and Research Design
Units: 6
Class:  4 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory
Pre-requisite: Biosc 101
Acceptable for credit: CSU
Description: Advanced, in depth exploration of theory and practice of fluorescence microscopy techniques including epifluorescence, confocal microscopy, deconvolution, multi photon, FRAP, FCS, FLIM, and FRET, superresolution, lightsheet, and other emerging technologies; image optimization and advanced troubleshooting; live imaging techniques and considerations; quantitative microscopy and morphometry. Introduction to experimental design, including investigation and development of a research question. Lab includes use of all major brands of advanced microscopes; post-acquisition processing performed on multiple software platforms; extensive hands-on training on all majors brands motorized widefield DIC and epifluorescence imaging systems, two spectral Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopes, Spinning Disc Confocal and Laser Scanning Dissecting Microscope.

Course Number: BIOSC 104
 Bioscience Practicum Research
Units: 6
Class:  4 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory
Pre-requisite: Biosc 101
Acceptable for credit: CSU
Course study under this section may be repeated two times for a maximum of 3 units.
Description: Development and implementation of an individual research project including: development of a research question and written experimental plan; literature searches and other research tools; critique of published research; implementation of research plan using lab resources including motorized widefield fluorescence and confocal microscopes; data analysis; troubleshooting and redesign of experimental plan; written and oral presentation of results and conclusions.