Fundamentals of Flow Cytometry (Online) Non-credit

The module covers conventional flow cytometry, spectral flow cytometry, and mass cytometry, supporting you to develop the knowledge you need to understand instrumentation, applications, and essential laboratory practices relevant to research and laboratory environments.

You'll explore core principles, instrumentation, health and safety, and cell sorting, with a focus on developing your practical understanding.

By the end of this module, you'll be able to:

1. Explain the core principles of conventional, spectral, and mass cytometry.

2. Describe the key components and functions of flow cytometry instrumentation.

3. Understand the principles and applications of cell sorting.

4. Apply best practices in laboratory health and safety relevant to cytometry workflows.

5. Understand data quality considerations and basic interpretation of flow cytometry data.

6. Relate theoretical concepts to practical laboratory and research applications.

7. Demonstrate understanding through graded quizzes and a final assessment.

Your learning is supported through narrated lectures, graded quizzes, and a final assessment. All course materials are available via the Virtual Learning Environment. 

You'll have two months of access to the materials, followed by an optional live demonstration and Q&A session.

After successfully completing the course, you'll receive a Certificate of Completion issued by the College of Medicine and Health, confirming your attendance and training in Flow Cytometry principles and applications.

Course content

Course dates

This course runs continuously so you can start at any time. We run periodic independent and live Q&A sessions you can attend while on the course. 

Q&A sessions

The next Q&A session will be held on 05/05/2026 12:30 – 13:30.

Teaching Staff

You'll be taught by Dr. Shahram Golbabapour, a CyTOF specialist at the University of Birmingham and a key member of the Flow Cytometry Facility team.

He supports researchers across the University and with external collaborators in performing flow and mass cytometry experiments and provides advanced data analysis using platforms such as Cytobank.

Department information

The Flow Cytometry Core Facility is part of the Tech-Hub within Infrastructure and Facilities, College of Medicine and Health. The facility provides advanced cell analysis and sorting services to support researchers across the University and external collaborators.

We offer expertise in experimental design, multicolour panel development, high-parameter flow cytometry, mass cytometry, and data analysis.

Our state-of-the-art platforms are supported by robust quality control and safety standards. Through specialist training, user support, and CPD initiatives, the facility strengthens research capability and technical skills development across the institution.

This course is suitable for postgraduate students, research staff, technicians, and industry professionals who use or plan to use flow cytometry in their work.

A basic understanding of cell biology and immunology is recommended, but no advanced prior experience in flow cytometry is required.

The booking page is open at all times. You will be granted access to the course content within three weeks of you signing up. Q&A sessions are held periodically which you are also eligible to attend.

Please book a place via the online shop. 

To pay via invoice please email cmhcpdenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk