Details of coursesFoundation Block: Introduction to Flow (24-27 delegates)This one-day classroom-based course will introduce delegates to Flow Cytometry. We will cover the reagents used, how a cytometer works, experimental design, sample preparation and running, and data analysis and presentation. The course is aimed at those new to the field or those who want to increase their confidence in this technology. By the end of the course, delegates will be more confident in designing and running their own experiments.
Building Block: Spectral analysis by Flow Cytometry (15 delegates)This one-day course will combine theory and practical. Delegates will learn what full spectrum cytometry can bring to their experiments. We will look at how full spectrum cytometers differ from conventional cytometers in their light detection, how this influences experimental design and some of the specific considerations of using this approach. We will run a simple experiment on two spectral cytometers - the Cytek Aurora and the Sony ID7000.
Panel design for multicolour flow cytometry (15 delegates)As cytometers become capable of measuring an increasing number of fluorochromes, panel design becomes more complicated. It requires knowledge of the fluorochrome, the biology (antigen density, co-expression) and the sample preparation. In this one-day course we will look at the factors that need to be taken into account to build multicolour panels. We will do several interactive panel designs where we will use this knowledge to design panels of 6-10 and then 15+ colours.
Flow Cytometric Data analysis (10 delegates)Data analysis of flow data files can be daunting. Where do I set regions and gates? Which metric do I use? In this one-day course we will guide delegates through the minefield of data analysis from simple gating to high dimensional analysis. This one-day course will introduce delegates to the analysis of flow data. In the first section, we will cover the plot types, setting compensation, regions and gates, the metrics that can be derived, and data presentation. The second section will look at the types of high dimensional analysis that are available, specifically dimensionality reduction and clustering methods. We will illustrate all these with data files that will be available to delegates.
Cell sorting by flow cytometry (12 delegates)Populations detected by analytical cytometry may be retrieved using droplet deflection cell sorting. Successful sorting requires knowledge of the sorting process and how to adjust parameters to maximise purity or yield There may be special considerations of downstream applications eg single cell sorting for RNAseq experiment. This two-day course will introduce delegates to the theory of cell sorting but will also include a practical element where we will use a cuvette-based system (FACSAria Fusion), a stream-in-air system (Thermo Bigfoot) and an automated system (Sony SH800).
Testimonials from past courses:'Great course leaders. Great course contents, great instructors Rachael and Derek delivered the course at the right speed, the workbook and exercise on panel design was very helpful to aid learning, thank you very much! Looking forward to the next course.''Great course that covers the basics and principles of flow cytometry for non-expert users.''Clickers kept the course engaging. Leaders are certainly experts in their field. The learning involved in this course is logical, engaging and extremely clear!''Ideal to go over important theoretical topics. The positive vibe is really nice to keep us focussed’.