HRMEM is committed to supporting researchers in broadening their practical knowledge of cryo-EM. We provide several training opportunities for users to expand their skills, learn to independently operate equipment and process their data.
Full service senior research associates are also available to provide additional support.
Please contact Claire Atkinson at ceatk@mail.ubc.ca to schedule a training session.
The following training modules are available:
Vitrification
For users with no prior experience. Training will take place as 2-3 sessions of ~3 hours each on ThermoFisher Vitrobot IV vitrification robots. In the first session, we will cover the basics of Vitrobot operation using economical practice grids and water. The second session will focus on optimizing the user’s own sample. At the end of the training, users should be confident in independently freezing grids and will be given booking access to the Vitrobot on iLab.
Follow up sessions and refresher sessions are also available.
Talos room temperature TEM
The ThermoFisher Talos 120 kV TEM training will cover sample insertion and removal, microscope operation, and image optimization with a focus on negative staining methods . We will also cover electron microscopy basics including microscope optics and image formation. The first training session will take ~3 hours and can either be done with the user’s own grids or model samples provided by HRMEM. The second training session will be focused on optimizing images from the user’s own samples. By the end of the training, users will be able to independently use the Talos, evaluate negative stain images, and understand basic TEM concepts.
Follow up sessions, refresher sessions and trainings in negative stain grid preparation or cryo-holder usage are also available.
Screening of Cryo EM grids
In this training, users will follow along with cryo-EM screening of their grids on the Glacios TEM. We will discuss sample optimization, grid optimization and fundamental cryo-EM concepts including factors involved in the data collection workflow, particle classification, and the behaviour of proteins at the air-water interface. By the end of the training, participants will be able to evaluate cryo-EM grids, interpret cryo-EM data and have a customised plan to optimize their own sample. Available as virtual training session.
High throughput single particle data collection
In this training, users will observe the setup of high throughput cryo-EM data collection on the 300 kV Krios or 200 kV Glacios TEMs using EPU and on-the-fly data processing and evaluation using CryoSparc Live. We will cover topics including choosing microscope settings such as magnification and dose, optimizing throughput, and interaction of electrons with the sample. Available as virtual training session.
Cryo FIB Milling of cellular lamaellae for cryo electron tomography
In this training, users will observe and participate in the cryo ET workflow initiating with creation of lamaellae cellular sections using the Aquilos2 Focused Ion Beam Milling SEM. An initial consulting session is required to discuss the aims and suggested sample requirements for success (incorporation of fluorescent labels etc).
One week introductory course in high resolution single particle cryo electron microscopy
Aimed at providing an introduction to theory and practise of the cryoEM single particle work flow and data analysis. An ideal hands on course for new to the field users. Scheduled periodically, the next one will take place in summer 2025.
Virtual Training
Cryo-EM grid screening sessions and high-throughput data collection set-up sessions can be joined virtually via Zoom. Data can be accessed remotely via Globus or hard drives via mail.