SCIE3300/3301 Microscopy & Microanalysis Unit

For more information regarding this unit contact the course co-ordinator, Dr Peta Clode or CMCA Manager, Jeanette Hatch

The unit is involves undertaking core course components and a small research project. The core components cover the major techniques of electron and optical microscopy at an introductory level. See 2008 University Handbook for additional information.

Students may opt to focus on either materials/mineralogy or biological applications through their choice of core components. The laboratory sessions will reflect this choice throughout. A short (2-3 day) project provides an opportunity to put into practice the skills learned during the course. The unit is completable in pre- and post-semester modules, with core components timetabled in both March and June/July.

The unit provides students with an introduction to selected microscopies and their applications. Lectures cover the basics of microscopy, the instrumentation and related digital imaging and analysis techniques. Laboratory sessions involve hands-on work with the extensive range of electron and optical microscopes housed in the Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, plus additional computer and tutorial labs to develop skills in data analysis and image manipulation.

- Students must enrol in both 3300 and 3301 units.

- There are no typical semester lectures and practicals, instead the four core components are taught as part of CMCA training courses. For sheduled timetables of the next round of courses, click here. After completing a combination of the courses, students undertake an independent research project.

- Research projects may be related to a student's honours/PhD project, chosen by the student (with approval from unit co-ordinator), or the student will be provided with an appropriate project.

Optical, confocal and electron microscopy are essential tools in a wide range of disciplines from engineering to plant science, and geology to physiology. Optical and confocal microscopy provide images with micron-scale resolution, utilising effects such as fluorescence and phase interference. Scanning electron microscopy extends the image resolution towards the nanometre scale and provides detailed analyses of surface morphology and chemistry, while the transmission electron microscope can provide structural and chemical information at the atomic scale.