SIB Labs (Kuopio) is responsible for two post-graduate courses at the University of Eastern Finland: Electron Microscopy (2.5 credits) and Optical Microscopy (2.0 credits). During the courses, both theoretical and practical aspects of modern microscopy are discussed. The students will learn the operation of the microscopes as well as principles of sample preparation in the practical work.
SIB Labs also gives instrument training, which is mandatory for independent users.
Studies and Courses
Electron microscopy is a specialized microscopy technique utilizing electrons for imaging, which enables imaging of specimens even in sub-nanometer scale. Electron microscopy is applicable for wide range of research, including mammalian or plant tissues and cells, or material science samples. Thus, course is suitable for post-graduate students from various fields of research: medicine, pharmacy, physics, chemistry etc. The course gives a good background and knowledge of the methodology and of the use of modern electron microscopes.
The aim of the course
The aim of the course is to familiarize the students to sample preparation process and requirements, and to principles of operation and usage of the electron microscopes (TEM and SEM). Full sample preparation process will be covered in the exercises during the course. In practical work, the students will image samples related to their research in pair work and the findings will be presented to other students.
Course language is English.
More information: Course director, Research Manager Arto Koistinen.
The optical microscopy course gives both theoretical and practical training to optical microscopy for the students. Various modes of optical microscopy, i.e. transmitted light, phase contrast, interference and fluorescence, as well as imaging spectroscopy, will be discussed during the course. The course is suitable for students from various fields of research since it gives practical and theoretical training for the techniques commonly used in research.
Structure of the course:
Specimens will be analyzed in practice, and the students are required to operate microscopes individually and to prepare a report and presentation from their findings.
Due to laborious practical work, number of students for the course is limited to 16 students.
Tentative content:
- Lectures 18 h
- Demonstrations 12 h
- Practical work 22 h
Course language is Finnish / English.
More information: Course director, Research Manager Arto Koistinen
- Material testing instruments: Arto Koistinen
- FTIR: Emilia Uurasjärvi
- MicroCT: Tuomo Silvast
- RAMAN: Emilia Uurasjärvi
- SEM: Jari Leskinen
- TEM: Jari Leskinen
- UV-VIS: Kaisa Raninen
- Optical microscopes: Arto Koistinen
