Our major goal is to promote high standards in flow cytometry practice and support the development of applications. This module is designed for scientists who wish to critically understand the principles, practice and applications of flow cytometry; appreciate the complexity of flow, be able to design flow experiments; and become competent and independent users of this technology and its tools. 

This 5 day programme will comprise seminars and practical sessions using several instruments and digital technologies. The practical portion will reinforce the concepts of the morning lectures. Several manufacturing companies and suppliers will be involved in the programme delivery and will provide current information of the latest instruments and reagents available.

Indicative programme content. Final schedule will be available in due course.

Day 1: Introduction to flow cytometry: principles and data analysis

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of flow cytometry (FC) and fluorescence; demonstrate the ability to obtain and critically assess FC data using specific analysis software applications. Become familiar with standard operation procedures including instrumentation fundamentals, cleaning and maintenance and routine QC.

Day 2: FC instrumentation: Controls, multicolour and cell sorting
Familiarisation with instruments and their components; demonstrate understanding and critical awareness of analysis protocol creation; integrate knowledge of good laboratory practice in instrument usage, sample preparation, quality control, troubleshooting. 

Day 3: FC applications I: Apoptosis, cell proliferation, kinetics and extracellular vesicles
Understand concepts of apoptosis, cell cycle & physiology; apply knowledge and understanding of FC to the analysis of apoptosis, cell cycle & physiology and extracellular vesicles; demonstrate an ability to integrate knowledge of these areas into protocol design for FC analysis. We will also show the importance of considering time as a key parameter in this technology and in projects, introducing the concept of real-time flow cytometry.

Day 4: FC applications II: Immunology and physiology of the cells
Demonstrate understanding of immunophenotyping & microbiology; apply knowledge and understanding of FC to the analysis of immunological & phagocytic cells; demonstrate an ability to integrate knowledge of these areas into protocol design for FC analysis. Become aware of the relevance of regulations especially in clinical environment and industry. Understand the process of setting up the instruments for studies in immunology and micro- and nano- events.

Day 5: New technologies, data reanalysis and data publication
Uses of FC outside the academic research setting; achieve an understanding of allied technologies such as mass spectrometry, multiplexing and other relatively new technologies that are filling the gap between flow cytometry and other platforms; be able to critically assess the synergistic benefits of flow cytometric analysis in combination with allied technologies. Aware of third-party software commonly used in cytometry for the data reanalysis of very simple to very complex data sets. At the end of module, a final problem-based assessment will take place.

Course fee:
Academic in person rate: €400
Researchers from commercial entities please contact: conway@ucd.ie 

Registration:

Step 1: Complete the 2023 UCD Conway Flow Cytometry Summer School - Registration Form online

Step 2: Click for payment by debit or credit card. If you experience any difficulty please email: mark.crowley@ucd.ie 

Module Registration:

PhD students wishing to attain 2.5 ECTS must also request to register to the associated module CNWY40130 Flow Cytometry - Principles & Practice

Module registration is now online through UCD Graduate Studies for graduate research students. If you experience any difficulty, contact lydia.bigley@ucd.ie