CMCA registration FAQWhy has the CMCA changed its registration process?Feedback from existing Centre users and their supervisors led to us reviewing our registration process. Many people commented that they wanted an opportunity to discuss their project with Centre staff when they register. This approach is used by many other Australian and international microscopy centers so we have now introduced it into our process. Why can’t I register directly for courses anymore?To make sure that new users receive the correct training to carry out their research, CMCA staff will work out the most suitable courses for you to attend based on the information you provide on your project and discussions at the new user meeting. This will ensure that you do not miss any critical training opportunities that might delay your research. Why does the CMCA need to know about my project?Centre staff will provide advice on which facilities you need to access and what training you require. We cannot do this without knowing about your project. How much information do I need to supply on my project?You need to tell us enough about the project that we can understand why you need to use CMCA facilities, which facilities you need to use, what samples you are planning to study and what information you are hoping to learn about them. This will probably take you 1-2 pages but will depend on how complicated your project is. What are FOR and SEO codes and why do I need to provide them?Fields of Research (FOR) and Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) codes are used to classify research into different areas. We need these numbers for each project using CMCA facilities, as we are required to report them to our funding providers. You also have to provide these numbers when you submit a grant application so you might be able to copy them from an application. A list of codes can be found in the grants section of the Research Services web site. What is a PC2 or PC3 laboratory?The ‘PC’ number refers to the level of physical containment required for laboratory safety. More information on PC levels can be found here. General information on biological safety at UWA can be found on the Research Services web site. What is an OGTR number?OGTR is the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator. A list of OGTR certified facilities at UWA can be found on the Research Services web site. What is the definition of ‘dangerous goods’?If you are unsure if your material is classified as 'dangerous goods' you can check through the Chem Alert web site. What is a GMO project?GMOs are Genetically Modified Organisms. Strict guidelines govern research in this area. For more information check the biological safety section of the Research Services web site. What is a ‘hazardous agent’?A hazardous agent is something hazardous to human health. Hazardous agents include those which cause viral infection of animals and transformation of tissue culture. How do I find out if my project needs Institutional Biosafety Committee approval?Information about the UWA Institutional Biosafety Committee can be found on the biological safety section of the Research Services web site. When providing information about my payment, what are Business Unit (BU) and Project Grant (PG) numbers and where do I obtain them?These numbers are used within the university to identify specific Schools/Centres and grant accounts held within those Schools/Centres. You should be able to obtain the required information from your supervisor or School/Centre Manager. How long will it take to arrange my ‘new user meeting’?We hope to arrange these meetings within 1-2 weeks of receiving the registration form. However, this will depend on the availability of you, your supervisor and Centre staff. Please submit your registration form as early as possible and avoid busy times such as just before or during training courses. Why does my supervisor have to attend the meeting?The ‘new user meeting’ is an important opportunity for researchers, supervisors and CMCA staff to discuss the microscopy part of your project. It is important that your supervisor attends the meeting so that they are aware of any issues raised during the meeting and any actions, including training programmes, agreed. When will I be able to book and use CMCA facilities?Once you have completed the training programme agreed at your new user meeting you will need to pass a 'driving test' where you will be expected to carry out basic operation of the microscope to a satisfactory level. Your access to CMCA facilities will begin on the day you have your first driving test. What is a 'driving test' and how will it work?The driving test is a basic practical test to confirm that you know how to operate the microscope to a basic level. You will be asked to carry out many of the tasks you were taught during the training course to make sure that you understood the basic principles of how to operate the the microscope correctly and safely. This will make sure that you are able to get accurate, high quality data from the microscopes for your research project. The test will be arranged as soon as possible once your training course is completed. If there are parts of the test that you are not able to complete, additional training will be arranged before you will be able to operate the microscope independently. | 