Microscopy and Microanalysis
Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis)
These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Resolutions of the Faculty, the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended) and the Academic Board policies on Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.
Course resolutions
1 Course codes
|
Code |
Course and stream title |
|---|---|
|
LG014 |
Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) |
|
LF029 |
Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) |
|
LC041 |
Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) |
2 Attendance pattern
0.
The attendance pattern for these courses is full time or part time according to candidate choice.
3 Master's type
4 Embedded courses in this sequence
(2)
Providing candidates satisfy the admission requirements for each stage, a candidate may progress to the award of any course in this sequence. Only the highest award completed will be conferred.
5 Admission to candidature
(1)
With approval from the Dean, available places will be offered to qualified applicants according to the following admissions criteria.
(2)
In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit applicants to the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma without the following qualifications but whose evidence of experience and achievement is deemed by the Dean to be equivalent.
(3)
Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) requires a Bachelor of Science from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification.
(b)
completion of the embedded graduate certificate, from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification.
(a)
a Bachelor of Science, with a credit average, from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification; or
(b)
a Bachelor of Science with Honours from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification; or
(c)
completion of the embedded graduate diploma, from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification.
6 Requirements for award
(1)
The units of study that may be taken for these awards are set out in the table for Microscopy and Microanalysis postgraduate courses. With the approval of the Dean and the program coordinator, candidates for the graduate diploma or master's degree, with special aims or interests, may be allowed to substitute up to 12 credit points with relevant postgraduate units from outside the table.
(2)
To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) a candidate must complete 24 credit points, including:
(3)
To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) a candidate must complete 36 credit points including:
(4)
To qualify for the Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) a candidate must complete 48 credit points, including:
(5)
To qualify for the Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) (Materials Science) a candidate must complete 48 credit points, including:
(6)
To qualify for the Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) (Biomolecular Science) a candidate must complete 48 credit points, including:
7 Specialisations
(1)
Candidates have the option of completing a specialisation, however specialisation is not a requirement of this course.
(2)
A specialisation requires the completion of 18 credit points chosen from units of study listed in the table for that specialisation. The specialisations available are:
8 Transitional provisions
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis), Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) and Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) are articulated award courses that provide a professional qualification to microscopists for industry, research, medical science and education. The course develops and enhances skills in specimen preparation, operation of microscopes and analytical equipment, interpretation of microscopical images and microanalysis.
Course outcomes
The aim of this articulated coursework program is to provide students with a coordinated and interdisciplinary approach to microscopy and microanalysis, thus developing expertise to recognise and solve a broad range of problems in life and material sciences. Upon the completion of the graduate certificate, graduates will possess practical and theoretical background in a wide variety of microscopy, microanalysis and specimen preparation techniques for the materials or life sciences. The graduate diploma will add more specialist knowledge in particular areas of interest or relevance. In addition, the Masters will provide experience in designing, carrying out and completing an independent project and report.
Microscopy and Microanalysis postgraduate coursework degree table
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
All Degrees: Core Units |
|||
| MCAN5005 Introductory Microscopy & Microanalysis |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| MCAN5006 Electron Microscopy |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
Optional Units |
|||
| Graduate Certificate students must complete 12 credit points from the following | |||
| Graduate Diploma and Masters students must complete 24 credit points from the following | |||
| MCAN5101 Confocal and Fluorescence Microscopy |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| MCAN5103 Materials Preparation and Microscopy |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| MCAN5104 Image Analysis |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| MCAN5110 Nanostructural Analysis of Materials |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| MCAN5111 Microscopy of Biomolecular Processes |
6 | A MCAN5101 or MCAN5102 or equivalent |
Semester 2 |
| MCAN5210 Research Methodology |
6 |
Core for research path, optional for Masters |
Semester 2 |
Masters: Additional Core Units (students must enrol in 12 credit points from the following) |
|||
| NB: Masters students must have successfully completed 24 credit points of units of study before they can enrol in MCAN5201, MCAN5202 or MCAN5203 | |||
| Masters non-Research Path students may choose from MCAN5201 MCAN5202 MCAN5210 | |||
| Masters Research Path students must take MCAN5203 MCAN5210 | |||
| MCAN5201 Project and Report A |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| MCAN5202 Project and Report B |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| MCAN5203 Project and Report Part C |
6 | C MCAN5201 Project and Report A MCAN5202 Project and Report B MCAN5210 Research Methodology Research path only |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| MCAN5210 Research Methodology |
6 |
Core for research path, optional for Masters |
Semester 2 |
| NB: Masters Research: After completing 24 credit points of coursework, students who have Distinction average or above across all units of study attempted may be eligible for the Research path subject to the approval of the Director of the Key Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis and the Dean | |||
Qualifying for the Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis)(Materials Science) |
|||
| a candidate must complete: | |||
| 30 credit points of core units of study: | |||
| MCAN5005 Introductory Microscopy & Microanalysis |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| MCAN5006 Electron Microscopy |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| MCAN5202 Project and Report B |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| MCAN5110 Nanostructural Analysis of Materials |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| and 18 credit points of elective units of study | |||
Qualifying for the Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis)(Biomolecular Science) |
|||
| a candidate must complete: | |||
| 30 credit points of core units of study: | |||
| MCAN5005 Introductory Microscopy & Microanalysis |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| MCAN5006 Electron Microscopy |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| MCAN5201 Project and Report A |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| MCAN5202 Project and Report B |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| MCAN5111 Microscopy of Biomolecular Processes |
6 | A MCAN5101 or MCAN5102 or equivalent |
Semester 2 |
| and 18 credit points of elective units of study | |||
Unit of study descriptions 2011
MCAN5005 Introductory Microscopy & Microanalysis
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Lilian Soon Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Nine hour lectures, nine hour practicals, three hour tutorials (3 sessions). Assessment: Practical assessment: two reports/portfolios of images from light microscopy and demonstrations (80%). Practical exercises (10%), attendance and participation (10%).
The unit provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of optics and the related principles of spectroscopy that are commonly used in microscopy and microanalysis. Students are introduced to a variety of imaging and analysis techniques and their role in both biotechnology and the technology of materials, as relevant to laboratory-professionals and researchers. An emphasis on light-optical microscopy and related imaging modes is developed.
MCAN5006 Electron Microscopy
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof. Simon Ringer and (non-academic) Dr Tim Petersen Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Eight groups(two people per group; can vary) of 4 one hour, 25 minutes lectures, 4 one hour lectures, 4 two hour practicals (TEMs), 4 one hour practical (SEM), forty minute tutorial, forty five minute practical demonstration. Assessment: Practical, analytical exercises in a written report including an annotated image portfolio (30-40 pages with ½ page sized images) (100%)
Trains participants, with no prior knowledge of electron microscopy, to become operators of scanning and transmission electron microscopes. Participants are given theoretical and practical understanding of the operation and construction of the microscope and how to obtain the optimum performance from it in routine operation.
MCAN5101 Confocal and Fluorescence Microscopy
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Filip Braet Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 8 one hour lectures, thirty hour practicals (5 sessions). Assessment: portfolio (60%), exercises (30%), attendance (10%) and participation.
Introduces the general principles of confocal microscopy and training in the use of the confocal microscope. It covers the theory behind confocal microscopy, the instrumentation and its applications. Develops knowledge and skills in specimen preparation for biological and medical applications of optical and confocal microscopes - immunochemistry, cell loading, GFP.
MCAN5103 Materials Preparation and Microscopy
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Simon Ringer, Dr Tim Petersen Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 3 thirty minute lectures, 3 five and a half hour laboratory practicals, 1 three and a half hour demonstrations. Assessment: Flat polished SEM specimen brass (20%), TEM specimen of Al or steel using electropolishing (20%), TEM cross-sectional specimen of a Si based devices using tripod polishing (30%), Quiz (20%), Materials preparation log (10%).
Gives practical training in the preparation of specimens for electron microscopy from a wide range of materials, including: metals, semiconductors, powders, ceramics and polymers. A comprehensive range of preparation techniques will be covered, including: electropolishing, tripod polishing, ion milling, dimple grinding, ultramicrotomy, cleavage and focused ion beam (FIB). Aspects of transmission electron microscopy specific to inorganic materials, such as crystallography, diffraction patterns and diffraction contrast will be introduced.
MCAN5104 Image Analysis
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Allan S. Jones Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 10 one hour lectures, 10 two hour practicals over a one week period. Assessment: Eight practical reports (50%), 1 three part mathematical assignment (20%), 1 in-depth assignment of 2500 word length on a relevant topic (30%).
This unit of study covers the nature and processing of images and the extraction of quantitative data from them. Participants will develop a sound working knowledge of both traditional stereology techniques and modern digital image processing and analysis. Emphasis is placed on an understanding of both the strengths and the limitations that are inherent in image data, and the technology applied to it. Topics in this module include: a general review of image acquisition, filters and transforms, segmentation methods, calibration of hardware for analysis, extraction of simple features from images, advanced feature extraction from images, limitations of measurement and a general overview of stereology, including geometric probability, density estimation and sampling.
MCAN5110 Nanostructural Analysis of Materials
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Simon Ringer, Dr Zongwen Liu Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 8 one hour lectures, twenty hours of practicals, two hours of tutorials. Assessment: Written report including portfolio of images, at least 3000 words (100%).
This unit provides students with knowledge and training so that they may explore the relationships between the structure and properties of materials. The unit covers the principles and practice of materials characterisation with an emphasis on techniques for the quantitative determination of the nanoscale structure and chemistry of materials. Topics include diffraction, contrast theory in transmission electron microscopy, analytical electron microscopy, other X-ray, ion beam and scanned probe methodologies.
MCAN5111 Microscopy of Biomolecular Processes
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Filip Braet and Dr Lilian Soon Session: Semester 2 Classes: 10 1hr lectures, 11 hours of tutorials and 12 hours of demonstrations Assumed knowledge: MCAN5101 or MCAN5102 or equivalent Assessment: Written research paper (40%) and multiple choice question exam (60%).
This unit covers the principles and practice of advanced microscopy techniques for probing cellular and biomolecular processes. It introduces cloning techniques, GFP-protein transfection into cells, uptake and metabolism of drugs/carcinogens/exogenous material, and localisation of enzymes/proteins associated with cells. Topics may include: FRET, FLIM, TIRFM, super-resolution, immunogoldlabelling and associated cryo-procedures for EM, micro and nano-analytical procedures for biological applications.
MCAN5201 Project and Report A
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Filip Braet, Dr Allan Jones, Dr Lilian Soon Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: At least forty five hours devoted to a research project. Assessment: Continuing unit (see MCAN 5202 for assessment details).
Gives students the opportunity to extend the practical work encountered in other modules, and gain skills in carrying out and writing up a research project. Students will choose topics in consultation with members of academic staff and complete project work under supervision. Students also need to enrol in MCAN5202.
MCAN5202 Project and Report B
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Filip Braet, Dr Alan Jones, Dr Lilian Soon Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: At least forty five hours devoted to a research project. Assessment: Written report (70%) and a oral presentation (30%).
See MCAN5201.
MCAN5203 Project and Report Part C
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Filip Braet, Dr Allan Jones, Dr Lilian Soon Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Research project. Corequisites: MCAN5201 Project and Report A
MCAN5202 Project and Report B
MCAN5210 Research Methodology Assessment: Oral presentation (20%), problem solving task (20%), written report in the form of a journal publication (60%).
Note: Research path only
This unit of study is an extension of Project and Report A and B and is only for those students approved for the Research path. Students will further extend their research, as well as formulating a literature review and a research plan and incorporating referee's comments into the final report. Students also need to enrol in or have completed MCAN5201, MCAN5202 and MCAN5210.
MCAN5210 Research Methodology
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Lilian Soon and Dr July Cairney Session: Semester 2 Classes: Thirteen hours of lectures, one hour student presentation, four hours of tutorials/practicals. Assessment: Risk assessment (10%), written research proposal (30%), written experimental plan (30%), worked exercises in data analysis (30%).
Note: Core for research path, optional for Masters
This unit covers the principles and practice of research methodology. Topics included: literature and database searches; citing and referencing; research proposals; safety, risk assessment and ethics; experimental design and documentation; statistics, errors and data analysis; and written and oral communication.