Foundation: Introduction to Microscopy
Online Course Information
The Intermediate: Introduction to Microscopy online course is designed as an introduction to the setup and use of microscopes.
This course focuses on bifocal microscopes, equipped with cameras, for examining samples using standard brightfield and phase contrast microscopy.
Approach of this Course
This course is a practical-based program designed to support understanding of the workings of a microscope, how to prevent damage to it, and how to set the microscope’s components to achieve a clear field of view, promoting ergonomic use for analyst health and safety.
What will I learn in this course?
In this course, you will learn how revolutionary microscopes were to early scientific discovery and how their crucial role continues in today’s world.
Human vision and the optics of a microscope, and how they work together, form the foundational knowledge for understanding how to optimise a microscope and interpret what we see for examination os samples and troubleshooting the setup of the microscope.
The practical portion of the course guides the analyst through the components, their function, and how they work together, before a step-by-step setup of a brightfield microscope with additional elements that extend to phase contrast microscopy.
Who is it for?
This foundation-level course is designed for early-career technicians, scientists, students, or water professionals who need to learn how to use microscopes as part of their professional development and training.
Contents
- A downloadable textbook specifically written for the course, over 70 pages of content, images and diagrams, with an additional workbook for guided practice.
- Approximately 55 minutes of video and written content to complement the text.
- The subscription fee provides ongoing access of this course and all materials
- Unlimited learning support via platform messaging or email.
- Additional VOIP live training sessions able to be purchased separately as desired.
Benefits
- Build confidence in skills for the setup and use of analytical microscopes.
- Presented using simple language and clear video demonstrations.
- Self-paced learning.
- In application messaging and email learning support.
- Certificate of completion and course outline for inclusion in training records.
Course Outline
Milestone 1 - Course Instructions & Downloads
- Lesson 1: Meet your Trainer
- Lesson 2: Course Instructions & Downloads
Milestone 2 - Microscopy: What, When, How?
- Lesson 1: The Uses & Power of Microscopes
- Lesson 2: The History of Microscopes
- Lesson 3: How Our Vision & Microscopes Work
Milestone 3 - Anatomy of a Microcscope & Setup
- Lesson 1: Components, Functions & Basic Sample Preparation
- Lesson 2: Microscope Setup: Preliminary Checks
- Lesson 3: Microscope Setup: Basic Dos & Don’ts
- Lesson 4: Microscope Setup: Light Path Alignment (Kohler Illumination & Phase Annuli)
- Lesson 5: Microscope Setup: Focus the Field (Brightfield & Phase Contrast)
- Lesson 6: Microscope Setup: Coverslip Correction (Phase Correction Ring)
Milestone 4 - Calibration & Troubleshooting
- Lesson 1: Calibration of the Eyepiece Micrometer
- Lesson 2: Calibration of Camera Software
- Lesson 3: Troubleshooting Microscope Setup
Milestone 5 - Ergonomics
- Lesson 1: Ergonomics in Microscopy
- Lesson 2: Neutral Sitting Position
- Lesson 3: Management of Health
Milestone 6 - Course Summary, Final Assessment & Feedback
- Course Summary
- Final Assessment
- Course Feedback
Course Fee Options:
About the fee options:
We offer two (2) payment options for individual course purchases, allowing you to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Upon signing up, payments can be made via PayPal or Credit Card. The course content is the same, regardless of the payment option.
$62.25 AUD / 3 months
Total Price: $249.00 AUD per year
After the full course fee is paid for the first year, the subscription may be cancelled anytime thereafter. The remainder of the course fee becomes immediately due if cancellation occurs within the first 12 months.
$249.00 AUD / year
Total Price: $249.00 AUD per year
Access to the course will remain active for the full 12 months of the subscription. At the end of the subscription period, options are to renew for another 12 months, change payment plan, or cancel the subscription.