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23. Microscopy and Microanalysis coursework degrees

Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) (MApplSc(Microsc&Microanal)

Degree Code: LC041

Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) (GradDipApplSc(Microsc&Microanal)

Degree Code: LF029

Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) (GradCertApplSc(Microsc&Microanal)

Degree Code: LG018

This chapter sets out the requirements for postgraduate degrees offered in the Faculty of Science in the area of Microscopy and Microanalysis. A comprehensive guide to the requirements and units of study of the coursework degrees follows.

The information in this chapter is in summary form and is subordinate to the provisions of the relevant degree Resolutions, collected variously in this chapter, or in the University of Sydney Calendar. The Calendar is available for sale at the Student Centre, for viewing at the faculty office or the Library, or online at:
www.usyd.edu.au/publications/calendar.

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
MCAN5102
Biological Specimen Preparation 		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
MCAN5112
Advances in Modern Microscopy 		6      Semester 1
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

Microscopy and Microanalysis unit of study descriptions 2010

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: Two reports/portfolios of images from light microscopy and demonstrations (80%). 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).
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: 60% portfolio, 30% exercises, 10% attendance 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.
MCAN5102 Biological Specimen Preparation

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Lilian Soon and Dr Allan S. Jones Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Electron microscopy section: 6 lectures, twenty three hours of practicals (13 sessions), one hour discussion, over one week. Light microscopy section: 2 one hour lectures, 4 three hour practicals, over one week. Assessment: Practical sessions assessed on basis of participation and competence. Electron microscopy section requires a report containing a portfolio of images of at least 2500 words (60%) and submission of 2-4 prepared specimens. Light microscopy requires submission of four individual specimens for assessment with an accompanying report on each (about 1500 words). A major written assignment of at least 2500 words (includes library search tasks).
Develops knowledge and skills in the fundamentals of specimen preparation for light microscopy. Techniques covered will include tissue processing for paraffin microtomy and an introduction to histochemical staining methods. In addition this unit will present the theory and practical skills of routine specimen preparation techniques used for electron microscopy in the biological sciences including fixing, embedding, sectioning, drying, coating and staining techniques. An introduction to cryotechniques and immuno methodologies is included.
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.
MCAN5112 Advances in Modern Microscopy

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Allan S Jones, A/Prof Filip Braet, Dr Lilian Soon and others. Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 12 one hour lectures, 2-4 one hour tutorials, 12 two hour practicals over a two week period. Assessment: Six practical reports, two to four tutorial reports, two major assignments of approximately 2500 words.
This unit provides students with knowledge of and training in the application of the very latest advances in microscopy techniques and technologies. Students will examine in detail advances that are occurring in several areas of current microscopy practice and obtain knowledge of both the specific operational characteristics and the associated theory of newly developed instruments. Course content will maintain a focus on cutting-edge techniques that reflect the dynamic advances occurring in microscopy technologies.
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 5205 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.

Resolutions

Resolutions

 

Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis)
Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis)
Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis)

 
0.1
Course rules
 
1.
Admission
1.1
The Dean of the Faculty of Science may admit to candidature for:
1.1.1
the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis):
1.1.1.1
graduates of the University of Sydney holding the degree of Bachelor of Science or any other equivalent award of the University of Sydney;
1.1.1.2
graduates of other universities or other appropriate institutions who have qualifications equivalent to those specified in subsection 1.1.1.1; or
1.1.1.3
persons who have experience which is considered to demonstrate the knowledge and aptitude required to undertake the units of study;
1.1.2
the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis):
1.1.2.1
graduates of the University of Sydney holding the degree of Bachelor of Science or any other equivalent award of the University of Sydney;
1.1.2.2
graduates of other universities or other appropriate institutions who have qualifications equivalent to those specified in subsection 1.1.2.1; or
1.1.2.3
persons who have completed requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science, or equivalent;
1.1.3
the Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis):
1.1.3.1
graduates of the University of Sydney holding the degree of Bachelor of Science or any other equivalent award of the University of Sydney;
1.1.3.2
graduates of other universities or other appropriate institutions who have qualifications equivalent to those specified in subsection 1.1.3.1; or
1.1.3.3
persons who have completed requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science, or equivalent.
2.
Units of study
2.1
The units of study for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science, Graduate Diploma in Applied Science and Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) are listed in the table of units of study for Microscopy and Microanalysis Postgraduate coursework degrees in this chapter of the Faculty of Science Handbook.
2.2
Credit point value, assumed knowledge, corequisites, prerequisites and any special conditions are included in unit of study descriptions.
3.
Requirements for Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis); Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) and Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis)
3.1
Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) are required to complete satisfactorily 12 credit points from core units of study and 12 credit points from optional units of study.
3.2
Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) are required to complete satisfactorily 12 credit points from core units of study and a further 24 credit points from optional units of study.
3.3
Candidates for the Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) are required to complete satisfactorily 12 credit points from core units of study, a further 24 credit points from optional units of study, and 12 credit points of additional core Project and Report units of study.
 
0.1
Faculty rules
 
4.
Details of units of study
4.1
The units of study for 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 listed in the table of units of study in this chapter of the Faculty of Science Handbook.
Not all units of study may be available every semester. The faculty may allow substitution of any unit of study by an approved unit of study, including units of study from other postgraduate coursework programs in the Faculty or elsewhere in the University.
4.2
A candidate for the course shall proceed by completing units of study as prescribed by the Faculty.
4.3
A unit of study shall consist of such lectures, seminars, tutorial instruction, essays, exercises, practical work, or project work as may be prescribed.
4.4
In these resolutions, 'to complete a unit of study' or any derivative expression means:
4.4.1
to attend the lectures and the meetings, if any, for seminars or tutorial instruction;
4.4.2
to complete satisfactorily the essays, exercises, practical and project work if any; and
4.4.3
to pass any other examination of the unit of study that may apply.
4.5
All units of study for a particular subject area may not be available every semester.
4.6
The Dean may allow substitution of any unit of study by another unit of study, including units of study from other postgraduate coursework programs in the Faculty or elsewhere in the University.
4.7
The Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) shall be awarded in two grades, namely Pass and, in the case of an outstanding candidate, Pass with Merit.
5.
Enrolment in more/less than minimum load
5.1
A candidate may proceed on either a full-time or a part-time basis.
6.
Cross-institutional study
6.1
Cross institutional study shall not be available to students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science, Graduate Diploma in Applied Science and Master of Applied Science courses, except where the University of Sydney has a formal Cooperation Agreement with another University.
7.
Restrictions on enrolment
7.1
Admission to candidature may be limited by a quota.
7.2
In determining the quota, the University will take into account:
7.2.1
availability of resources including space, laboratory and computing facilities; and
7.2.2
availability of adequate and appropriate supervision.
7.3
In considering an application for admission to candidature the Dean shall take account of the quota and will select, in preference, applicants who are most meritorious in terms of sub-section 1 above.
8.
Discontinuation of enrolment
8.1
A student who does not enrol in any semester without first obtaining written permission from the Dean to suspend candidature will be deemed to have discontinued enrolment in the course.
8.2
Students who have discontinued from the course will be required to apply for admission to the course and be subject to admission requirements pertaining at that time.
9.
Suspension of candidature
9.1
A student may seek written permission from the Dean to suspend candidature in the course.
9.2
Suspension may be granted for a maximum of one year.
10.
Re-enrolment after an absence
10.1
A student who plans to re-enrol after a period of suspension must advise the Faculty of Science Office in writing of their intention by no later than the end of October for First Semester of the following year or the end of May for Second Semester of the same year.
11.
Satisfactory progress
11.1
Candidates for the Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis), the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis), and the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis), shall be governed by the rules as follows:
11.1.1
A student who has failed a cumulative total of 12 credit points at any stage of enrolment in the Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student's enrolment will be transferred to the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis);
11.1.2
A student who has failed a cumulative total of 18 credit points at any stage of enrolment in the Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) and/or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student's enrolment will be transferred to the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis);
11.1.3
A student who has failed a cumulative total of 12 credit points at any stage of enrolment in the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student's enrolment will not be permitted to re-enrol.
11.2
A student who has failed a cumulative total of more than 18 credit points in the Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) and/or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) and/or the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student will not be permitted to re-enrol.
11.3.1
A student who has failed a core unit at the second attempt in the Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) and/or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) and/or the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) will be deemed to have failed to complete course requirements and will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol.
11.3.2
If good cause has not been established, the student will not be permitted to re-enrol.
12.
Time limit
12.1
A candidate for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) shall complete the requirements for the award in a minimum enrolment of one semester and a maximum enrolment of four semesters.
12.2
A candidate for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) shall complete the requirements for the award in a minimum enrolment of two semesters and a maximum enrolment of six semesters.
12.3
A candidate for the Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) shall complete the requirements for the award in a minimum of two semesters and a maximum of eight semesters.
13.
Assessment policy
13.1
On completion of the requirements for the course, the Faculty shall determine the results of the candidature.
14.
Credit transfer policy
14.1
Credit is not available in 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) for postgraduate study which has not been undertaken in these award courses within the previous three years.
14.2
A candidate who has qualified for the award of the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) may transfer, within three years, to the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) and receive credit for up to 24 credit points from the Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis).
14.3
A candidate who has qualified for the award of the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) may transfer, within three years, to the Master of Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis) and receive credit for up to 36 credit points from the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Microscopy and Microanalysis).
14.4
A candidate who has completed units of study in the Applied Science program within the previous three years, but has not qualified for an award, may transfer to another award course within the same Applied Science program and receive credit for the units of study completed.