Microscopy and Microanalysis
Master of Science in 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 |
|---|---|
|
LG030 |
Graduate Certificate in Microscopy and Microanalysis |
|
LF046 |
Graduate Diploma in Microscopy and Microanalysis |
|
LC058 |
Master of Science in 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 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 Microscopy and Microanalysis a candidate must complete 24 credit points, including:
(3)
To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Microscopy and Microanalysis pathway a candidate must complete 36 credit points including:
(4)
To qualify for the Master of Science in Microscopy and Microanalysis a candidate must complete 48 credit points, including:
(5)
To qualify for the Master of Science in Microscopy and Microanalysis (Materials Science) a candidate must complete 48 credit points, including:
(6)
To qualify for the Master of Science in Microscopy and Microanalysis (Biomolecular Science) a candidate must complete 48 credit points, including:
(7)
To qualify for the Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) research pathway a candidate must complete 48 credit points including:
8 Specialisations
(1)
Candidates have the option of completing a specialisation, however specialisation is not a requirement of this course.
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 microscopic 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.
Units of study 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 | Int August Int March |
|
Masters Students undertaking the Coursework Pathway: Additional Core units, generally undertaken in second semester of study |
|||
| MCAN5201 Project and Report A |
6 | P 24 credit points C MCAN5202 Project and Report Part B Core for research path, optional for non-research path. Not applicable for Grad Cert or Grad Dip. |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| MCAN5202 Project and Report B |
6 | P 24 credit points C MCAN5201 Project and Report B Core for research path, optional for non-research path. Not applicable for Grad Cert or Grad Dip. |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
Masters Students undertaking the research path: Additional Core units |
|||
| 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 Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis and the Dean | |||
| MCAN5210 Research Methodology |
6 | C MCAN5203 Project and Report Part C Optional for Masters (non research path) |
Semester 2 |
| MCAN5201 Project and Report A |
6 | P 24 credit points C MCAN5202 Project and Report Part B Core for research path, optional for non-research path. Not applicable for Grad Cert or Grad Dip. |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| MCAN5202 Project and Report B |
6 | P 24 credit points C MCAN5201 Project and Report B Core for research path, optional for non-research path. Not applicable for Grad Cert or Grad Dip. |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| MCAN5203 Project and Report Part C |
6 | P 24 credit points C MCAN5210 Research Methodology Research path only |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
Masters Materials Science specialisation compulsory unit |
|||
| If you intend specialising in Materals Science, you must include the following unit amongst your electives: | |||
| MCAN5110 Nanostructural Analysis of Materials |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
Masters Biomolecular Science specialisation compulsory unit |
|||
| If you intend specialising in Biomolecular Science, you must include the following unit amongst your electives: | |||
| MCAN5111 Microscopy of Biomolecular Processes |
6 | A MCAN5101 or MCAN5102 or equivalent |
Semester 2 |
Elective 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 | |||
| Masters (non research path) students must complete 36 credit points from the following | |||
| Masters (research path) students must complete 12 credit points from the following | |||
| MCAN5101 Confocal and Fluorescence Microscopy |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| MCAN5102 Biological Specimen Preparation |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| MCAN5103 Materials Preparation and Microscopy |
6 | Int May |
|
| MCAN5104 Image Analysis |
6 | Int April Int Sept |
|
| MCAN5110 Nanostructural Analysis of Materials |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| MCAN5111 Microscopy of Biomolecular Processes |
6 | A MCAN5101 or MCAN5102 or equivalent |
Semester 2 |
| MCAN5201 Project and Report A |
6 | P 24 credit points C MCAN5202 Project and Report Part B Core for research path, optional for non-research path. Not applicable for Grad Cert or Grad Dip. |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| MCAN5202 Project and Report B |
6 | P 24 credit points C MCAN5201 Project and Report B Core for research path, optional for non-research path. Not applicable for Grad Cert or Grad Dip. |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| MCAN5210 Research Methodology |
6 | C MCAN5203 Project and Report Part C Optional for Masters (non research path) |
Semester 2 |
Units of study descriptions
Unit of study descriptions 2012
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, Dr Gwénaëlle Proust and Dr Zongwen Liu Session: Int August,Int March Classes: The course will be run intensively for two weeks, which include eight lectures, twelve practical and demonstration sessions, one computer laboratory, one tutorial session and two case study/discussion sessions. Assessment: Two quizzes (2x20%) and two take home assignments (2x30%).
This unit of study introduces participants to two major electron microscopy techniques: Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Each technique is presented as a one week long module. Participants will become familiar with the theory behind each technique and its capabilities through a tailored combination of lectures, case study presentations, and laboratory and demonstration sessions. The first module gives a general overview and introduction on the basic principles and applications of the diverse imaging and microanalysis mechanisms and techniques available in a modern TEM. It is structured as a series of lectures with the aim of providing both basic concepts and illustrations of advanced topics in modern TEM, followed by hands-on sessions at the microscope and examples of case studies.
The second module aims at familiarizing participants with the principles and the versatility of the SEM, as well as associated techniques and equipment such as focused ion beam and electron backscatter diffraction through a series of lectures, hands-on laboratory sessions and demonstrations.
The second module aims at familiarizing participants with the principles and the versatility of the SEM, as well as associated techniques and equipment such as focused ion beam and electron backscatter diffraction through a series of lectures, hands-on laboratory sessions and demonstrations.
MCAN5101 Confocal and Fluorescence Microscopy
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof. Filip Braet Session: Semester 1 Classes: 10 one hour lectures, 80 one hour tutorials (6 sessions) and thirty hour practicals (5 sessions). Assessment: portfolio (60%), exercises (30%), attendance and participation (10%).
This unit introduces the general principles of confocal microscopy and training in the use of the confocal microscope. It covers the theory behind fluorescence and confocal microscopy, the instrumentation and its applications. Develops knowledge and skills in specimen preparation for biological and biomedical applications of optical and confocal laser microscopes immunochemistry, cell probes, fluorescent proteins, and their associated optical analysis techniques.
MCAN5103 Materials Preparation and Microscopy
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof. Julie Cairney and Prof Simon Ringer Session: Int May 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: A/Prof. Allan Jones Session: Int April,Int Sept 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: A/Prof. Julie Cairney and Prof Simon Ringer Session: 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: 11 one hour lectures, 11 one hour tutorials and 12 hours of demonstrations (6 sessions). 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 associated biomolecular processes. It introduces cloning techniques, GFP-protein transfection into cells, live cell probes and imaging, uptake and metabolism of drugs/carcinogens/exogenous material, and localisation of enzymes/proteins associated with cells. Topics include: FRET, FLIM, TIRFM, super-resolution, immunogoldlabelling and associated cryo-procedures for EM, combined- & correlative microscopy, micro and nano-analytical procedures for biological and life sciences applications such as probe, X-ray & advanced EM techniques.
MCAN5201 Project and Report A
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Simon Ringer, A/Prof Filip Braet, A/Prof Allan Jones, A/Prof Julie Cairney, Dr Gwénaëlle Proust, Dr Lilian Soon Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: At least forty five hours devoted to a research project. Prerequisites: 24 credit points Corequisites: MCAN5202 Project and Report Part B Assessment: Continuing unit (see MCAN 5202 for assessment details).
Note: Core for research path, optional for non-research path. Not applicable for Grad Cert or Grad Dip.
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: Prof Simon Ringer, A/Prof Filip Braet, A/ProfAllan Jones, A/Prof Julie Cairney, Dr Gwénaëlle Proust, Dr Lilian Soon Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: At least forty five hours devoted to a research project. Prerequisites: 24 credit points Corequisites: MCAN5201 Project and Report B Assessment: Written report (70%) and a oral presentation (30%).
Note: Core for research path, optional for non-research path. Not applicable for Grad Cert or Grad Dip.
See MCAN5201.
MCAN5203 Project and Report Part C
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Simon Ringer, A/Prof Filip Braet, A/Prof Allan Jones, A/Prof Julie Cairney, Dr Gwénaëlle Proust, Dr Lilian Soon Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Research project. Prerequisites: 24 credit points Corequisites: 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: A/Prof. Julie Cairney and Dr Rongkun Zheng Session: Semester 2 Classes: Thirteen hours of lectures, one hour student presentation, four hours of tutorials/practicals. Corequisites: MCAN5203 Project and Report Part C Assessment: Risk assessment (10%), written research proposal (30%), written experimental plan (30%), worked exercises in data analysis (30%).
Note: Optional for Masters (non research path)
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.