Distance Learning Course in Flow Cytometry

Tutor: Michael G. Ormerod

To obtain full benefit from these lectures, you will need access to PC-compatible computer running Windows NT/2000/2003/XP.

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. You will be asked to analyse these files using a computer program. 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 either download WinMDI(http://facs.scripps.edu/software.html) a free program or you can download a copy of FCS Express(www.denovosoftware.com). To use the latter, you will need to email me and I will let you know how you can download a copy of the program to use free of charge for 12 weeks.

The course is designed to last 6 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 in case you should 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.