The power and capability of the light microscope has increased dramatically over the last few years. In fact light microscopy is now becoming of central utility in all fields of biological research including cell biology, physiology and molecular biology. This change has been driven by the need to study increasingly sophisticated problems at high spatial and temporal resolution. The advances, principally in the field of fluorescence microscopy have been dependant on the development of entirely new microscopic methodologies coupled to the use of fluorescent proteins, new fluorescent dye technologies, highly sensitive detectors and inexpensive powerful computers.      Our goal will be to provide students with the knowledge and expertise to implement cutting edge microscopic methods within their own laboratories. In contrast with other currently available courses it will focus exclusively on the theory, potential application and implementation of fluorescent imaging techniques, and perhaps more importantly this will be couched in the real world application of biological experimentation.      This one week, intensive course will cover all aspects of the technology from the principals of fluorescence imaging to multidimensional imaging in living cells. Lectures dealing with the theory, mechanics, and application of fluorescent imaging methods will be intermingled with extended laboratory practicals in which students will be encouraged to use their own specimens, to optimize the utility of the course. Pictures from Summer 1999, Summer 2000, Summer 2001, Summer 2002 , Summer 2003, Summer 2004, Summer 2005, Summer 2006, Summer 2007, Summer 2008, Summer 2009 Location: MDIBL      MDIBL is located on the north shore of Mount Desert Island in the village of Salsbury Cove, Maine.Mount Desert Island lies in the Gulf of Maine near the mouth of the Bay of Fundy and is approximately 160 miles north of Portland, Maine. The island provides a variety of habitats including shallow and deep saltwater, a broad intertidal zone, saltwater and freshwater marshes, freshwater lakes and streams, forests and meadows. Other well-known landmarks on the island include Acadia National Park and the towns of Bar Harbor and Northeast Harbor. Acadia National Park contains 33,000 acres and includes eighteen mountains ranging up to 1,500 feet above sea level, five lakes and the only natural fjord along the Atlantic coast of the United States. It is one of the top ten most visited national parks in the United States. Salsbury Cove is a small community with a post office and a general store; therefore, an automobile is essential for family mobility. Bar Harbor, six miles away, and Ellsworth, l2 miles north on the mainland, offer shopping and laundry facilities as well as hospitals.