Scanning Electron Microscopy Training Course

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS COURSE?

Researchers, PhD and Hons students in the physical or biological sciences intending to use SEM facilities at the UWA Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis (or other SEM facilities). Those people wishing to do the Variable Pressure / Environmental SEM course or the Electron Probe Microanalysis course must complete this SEM training course first.

(Contact hours - Lectures, 3hrs; Labs 6-8 hours - Lab times will be advised to attendees before the course)

COURSE OUTLINE:

Signals and image generation, instrument operation, operating variables, image interpretation and applications of SEM will be introduced through lectures on the two mornings of the course. All attendees will receive two training sessions on the microscope plus bench practicals to enhance their knowledge. Where possible, training will be conducted in pairs.

WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW BEFORE THE COURSE?

Attendees are expected to be familiar with the basic principles and applications of SEM, and the SEM aspects of their own research project before attending the course.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ON THIS COURSE?

Attendees will learn basic SEM operation skills including

* SEM alignment and operation
* Signals (Secondary and backscattered electrons) and how to interpret them
* Operating variables (kV, apertures, working distance) ï¿½ how they affect your data
* How to save, record, calibrate and print images
* Basic sample requirements for SEM (but not specific sample preparation methods).

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS WORKSHOP?

Advanced SEM topics such as imaging non-conductive or hydrated samples (variable pressure / environmental SEM) and elemental analysis (via x-ray microanalysis) are not included in this course. Detailed information on sample preparation techniques in the physical and biological sciences is not included. However, opportunities to train in these areas are listed below.

TEACHING MATERIALS :

Copies of lecture notes and supporting documentation are provided as a downloadable file available one week prior to the start of the course. Attendees are expected to be familiar with basic principles and applications of SEM before attending the course. Many SEM-related books can be found in the UWA library.

The following books are highly recommended -

* Advanced scanning electron microscopy and x-ray microanalysis, Newbury
* Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis : a text for biologists, materials scientists, and geologists. Goldstein
* Scanning and transmission electron microscopy: an introduction. Flegler

The library also houses a set of DVD recordings of microscopy workshops run by the Microscopy Society of America. Anyone planning to use microscopy in their research will find these useful for both basic and advanced information.

RELATED TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES:

Workshops on more specialised techniques are organised mid-year or when there is sufficient demand. Current related workshops include (follow the links for more details and to register interest in a workshop):

* Variable Pressure SEM (insulating, hydrated, vacuum sensitive samples) is taught via the VPSEM workshop.
* Composition / element analysis by x-ray microanalysis is taught via the EPMA course.

ASSESSMENT:

A short written test will assess attendee's understanding of the theory underlying instrument operation. Practical assessment will take place during the training labs on the instruments.

HOW DO I REGISTER & WHAT DOES IT COST?

Places on this course are available to students and researchers with a demonstrated need for access to SEM facilities.

For new users of CMCA facilities, you should first complete the online user registration process. You will then meet with Centre staff in a 'new user meeting' to discuss your training needs and will be allocated a place on this course if it is appropriate for your project.

For existing users of CMCA facilities, you should contact the CMCA office to request a place on the course, explaining why this is required for your project. You will be allocated a place on the course if you have a demonstrated need for this training.

For Curtin students and researchers wishing to attend training at CMCA but acces facilities at Curtin, please contact Arie van Riessen, Applied Physics, Curtin University to request a place on this training course.

Attendance is free for UWA and Curtin staff and students who are registered users. For UWA non-registered users and Murdoch and Edith Cowan people (NCC Partners) this course is $330 (inc. GST). All other interested participants will be allocated a place only if maximum numbers are not reached, and a cost of $565 (inc. GST) will apply. Any enrollee who fails to cancel their attendance more than 24h in advance will be charged a $55 (inc. GST) no show fee.