Introduction to Microscopy
Why is microscopy Important?
There is a skills shortage in microscopists and experienced people are highly sought after, as training is often expensive and takes time, and often, not readily available. This training course is designed to provide an affordable and solid foundation in the setup and use of microscopes to reduce training lead times, offer ready access, and improve the employability of anyone interested in microscopy as a potential career, to improve employability, for services and professional development, or as a hobby.
Who is it for?
This is a FOUNDATION level course and is suitable for students, early career or developing technicians, scientists, engineers, and hobbyists to learn about light microscopy (brightfield and phase contrast). This course is designed to teach as a foundation for many other microscopic techniques.The course is presented by Lindsay Hunt, a microbiologist and biochemist with a specialty in phycology and technical trainer, with over 25 years experience in brightfield and phase contrast microscopy.
What will I learn in this course?
The course begins with a look at the important role microscopy plays in science and industry and a brief history of the microscope’s development. The course becomes a step-by-step guide for the setup and operation of a compound light microscope; from preliminary checks, good practices, and ergonomics to prevent damage to the microscope and discomfort to the operator. Through to lightpath alignment, focusing the field, calibration of micrometers and cameras, and additional information for the setup of phase contrast microscopes.
The text has procedures set out in a format that can be used as the basis of operating procedures for laboratories, then guides the operator through the procedures with illustrated demonstrations with tips to assist with learning. The online material supports the text with additional video instruction, or animations to assist with demonstration.
Contents
- A downloadable textbook with 76 pages of information, procedures, and illustrated,step-by-step walk-throughs of procedures
- A downloadabe workbook with exercises to enhance learning
- Online content to compliment the text with one (1) hour of short presentations and animations
Benefits
- Applicable to all compound light microscopes
- Includes basic advisory material on maintenance, safety, and ergonomics
- Self-paced learning
- Email learning support
- Certificate of attainment and course outline for inclusion in training records
Course Outline
Module 1: Course Introduction
Unit 2: Course Resources Downloads and Instructions
Module 2: Microscopy; What, when, and how?
Unit 2: The History of Microscopes
Unit 3: How Our Vision and Microscopes Work
Module 3: Anatomy of a Microscope and Set Up
Unit 1: Components, Functions & Basic Slide Preparation
Unit 2: Preliminary Checks
Unit 3: Basic Dos & Don’ts
Unit 4: Light Path Alignment (Kohler Illumination & Phase Annuli)
Unit 5: Focus (Brightfield)
Unit 6: Focus (Phase Correction Ring)
Module 4: Calibration & Troubleshooting
Unit 2: Calibration of Camera Software
Unit 3: Troubleshooting Microscope Set Up
Module 5: Ergonomics
Unit 2: Neutral Sitting Position
Unit 3: Management of Health