This short course is designed to give a basic introduction to flow cytometry. It will also give you an understanding of the different methods of data analysis. The course will prepare you for attendance at one of the INDO-US Workshops on Flow Cytometry or a similar workshop or course. It will also prepare you to take the IBMS Certificate of Biomedical Practice in Flow Cytometry.
To obtain full benefit from these lectures, you will need access to PC-compatible computer running Windows XP/Vista.
You can only complete the course successfully if you have an understanding of how to work in a Windows environment on a PC. If you are not familiar with Windows, you need to do a 'crash' course to bring yourself up-to-date before tackling this course.
In addition to the text and illustrations, you will be supplied with data files of typical applications, which you will be asked to analyse using a computer program. These data files can be accessed and analysed using the free FCS Express Reader. Alternatively, if you have access to a flow cytometer, you can use the software supplied with the instrument. If you are working away from a cytometer, you can download WinMDI, a free program (http://facs.scripps.edu/software.html). For use with programs other than FCS Express you should request that the appropriate files are emailed to you.
The course is designed to last six weeks. You should aim to do one lecture a week. There are self-assessment questionnaires at the end of each lecture. You should complete these to check that you have understood the lecture. If you have answered any of the questions incorrectly, you should re-read the relevant section.
If you encounter any problems, you can email me questions, requests for advice, etc.
At the end of each Lecture, you will find a section headed further reading. You do not need to read these references as part of the course. They are there should you want further information on a specific topic; perhaps at a later date.
When you have completed the course, you should carry out the Assignment and submit it for assessment.
Recommended reading
Ormerod, M.G. (2008). Flow Cytometry - a Basic Introduction. ISBN 978-0-9559812-0-3. This book can be read for free here. There is also a printed version which can be ordered here.