This course  provides an intensive introduction to the principles and practise of scanning and transmission electron microscopy, polarised transmitted light microscopy and reflected light microscopy for non-specialists in the field of physical sciences.

Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately

Course components include:

1. Specimen preparation methods;
2. Petrographic/metallographic light microscopy using linear-polarised transmitted light and reflected light; and
3. Introductory scanning and transmission electron microscopy.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Understand the principles of polarised light optics as applied to microscopy of transparent and opaque inorganic samples;
2. Know the basics of crystallography and its control of directional variation of the optical properties in crystalline materials;
3. Understand the principles of electron optics, signal generation in SEM, image formation and diffraction in TEM;
4. Have knowledge of a range of sample preparation methods for transmitted and reflected light, and scanning and transmission electron microscopies; and
5. Have developed scientific comprehension, critical thinking and written and oral presentation skills through undertaking a literature-review research project, presented both as a written report and  a short oral presentation.

Assessment will be based on:

1. Eight assessable practicals worth 5 % each, a total of 40 % (LO1, 2, 3 and 4);

2. A final exam worth 40 % (LO 1, 2, 3 and 4);

3. A review article based on a literature survey, worth 15% (LO 5); and

4. A short oral presentation based on the review, worth 5% (LO 5).

The average workload in each of the first two weeks of this intensive course will be 40 hours, which will include:

(1)    15 hours of practicals and demonstrations;

(2)    20 hours of lectures; and

(3)    Five hours of assignments and exam revision.

The third week of the course will include 37 hours of study and work on eight practical assessments and review, as well as a three hour exam.

Equivalent to first year chemistry and knowledge in foundational physics and material science.

Short courses on the theory and practice of microscopy run by the Centre are incompatible with this course.