Upon successful completion of the Electron Microscopy - Biological Concentration Advanced Sample Preparation Certificate of Achievement, the student demonstrates skills, knowledge and training for employment as a microscopist and laboratory technician. They may work with research scientists in industry, at research laboratories, medical schools, hospitals, colleges and universities, as well as being qualified for technical sales and marketing for Electron Microscopy. The student demonstrates the following abilities: usage of theory in hands-on work, usage of different specimen preparation techniques, electron/ion/light/scanned probe microscope operation, digital imaging, routine maintenance of equipment, experimental design, and data interpretation. The student also demonstrates skills, knowledge, and training in organization, team work, oral and written communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking as well as a variety of skills for employment in other disciplines, such as metallurgy, ceramics, computer and electronics industries, biology, environmental areas, biotechnology, geology, forensics, food and cosmetic industries, and medicine.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Understand the structure of cells and tissues and how they function.
- Understand the appropriate role of science in their lives.
- Work together in teams to solve problems.
- Operate equipment, such as FeSEM and advanced TEM application, needed to become an advanced-level electron microscopist.
- Apply advanced sample preparation techniques, such as using microwave technology, for viewing on electron microscopes.
- Apply digital enhancements to images.
- Operate the ultramicrotome using diamond knives and understand the proper use of diamond knives.
- Apply advanced sample preparation histotechniques, such as cytology preparation and various special stains, for viewing on light microscopes.
- Operate the cryostat to microtome frozen samples.
- Produce micrographs of samples from various types of light microscopes, including fluorescence.
