Instruct-ERIC Events

An Introduction to CryoEM - Midlands CryoEM centre

Training

Date: 07-Jul-2026

This course provides an introduction to cryoEM and its applications in structural biology. You will learn what types of samples are suitable for cryoEM, what results can be expected, and the steps involved in generating high quality structural data. As part of the training, you will visit and get experience using equipment in the Midlands Regional CryoEM Facility.

The course will focus on single particle analysis (SPA), a computational method that aligns and averages thousands to millions of individual transmission electron microscope (TEM) images. This process produces a 3D cryoEM map with sufficient detail to reveal how proteins function and how they interact with other molecules, including potential drug compounds.

Aims
The course aims to provide participants with an introductory understanding of cryoEM by the following objectives:

• Gain an understanding of sample preparation and imaging using negative-stain TEM.
• Obtain experience with vitrification equipment used for cryoEM sample preparation.
• Get hands-on experience operating an electron microscope for cryoTEM imaging and data collection.
• Learn the fundamental principles of single-particle analysis, including how 2D projection images are processed and combined to generate a 3D structure.

Who is the course for?
Biological scientists who wish to learn more about cryoEM. Participants should have experience or knowledge of producing purified protein samples (i.e. recombinant protein expression). This course will be useful to those who have knowledge of structural biology without any previous experience of cryoEM or electron microscopy.

Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding

• Understand which types of biological samples are suitable for analysis by cryoEM.
• Appreciate the types of structural and functional information that cryoEM can deliver and learn how to interpret cryoEM results.
• Learn negative stain TEM.
• Learn the workflow for cryoEM sample preparation and analysis.
• Understand how cryoEM density maps can be used to study protein structure, function, and interactions, including interactions with small-molecule drugs.

Skills, qualities, and attributes

• Understand suitable cryoEM projects, cryoEM outcomes, and the cryoEM workflow.

For more information and to register, please visit our website.