MCAN Units of Study

All units are worth 6 credit points. For advice on subject selection please contact the .

MCAN Units of Study: Timetable 2009

MCAN Units of Study

MCAN 5005 Introductory Microscopy & Microanalysis (Core)
The course 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.

MCAN 5006 Electron Microscopy (Core)
This unit 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.

MCAN 5101 Confocal & Fluorescence Microscopy (Option)
The course 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.

MCAN 5102 Biological Specimen Preparation (Option)
This Unit 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.

MCAN 5103 Materials Preparation and Microscopy (Option)
This unit provides 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.

MCAN 5104 Image Analysis (Option)
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.

MCAN 5110 Nanostructural Analysis of Materials (Option)
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 and other X-ray, ion beam and scanned probe methodologies.

MCAN 5111 Microscopy of Biomolecular Processes (Option)
This unit covers the principles and practice of advanced microscopy techniques for probing cellular and biomolecular processes. It introduces techniques to investigate cellular processes at the molecular and protein level including, intracellular signalling, uptake and metabolism of drugs/carcinogens/exogenous material, and localisation of enzymes/proteins associated with cells. Topics may include: advanced confocal microscopy, immunolabelling and associated cryo-procedures for EM, micro and nano-analytical procedures for biological applications.

MCAN 5112 Advances in Modern Microscopy (Option)
This unit provides students with knowledge of and training in the application of the 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. The course maintains a focus on cutting-edge techniques that reflect the dynamic advances occurring in microscopy technologies.

MCAN 5201 Project and Report A; Core for Masters
This course gives students the opportunity to extend the practical work encountered in other modules, and to gain skills in carrying out and writing up a research project. Students choose topics in consultation with members of academic staff and complete project work under supervision. Students also need to enrol in MCAN 5202.

MCAN 5202 Project and Report B; Core for Masters
See MCAN 5201.

MCAN 5203 Project and Report C; Core for Masters/Research Path
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 need to enrol in or have completed MCAN 5201, MCAN 5202 and MCAN 5210.

MCAN 5210 Research Methodology; Optional for Masters, Core for Masters/Research Path
This unit covers the principles and practice of research methodology. Topics include: 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.