Universität Wien
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300218 UE Scanning electron microscopy - techniques and preparations for biologists (2025W)

5.00 ECTS (3.00 SWS), SPL 30 - Biologie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle
Mo 01.12. 08:00-13:00 Seminarraum 1.8, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.007, Ebene 1

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 6 participants
Language: German, English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

Schedule and Participation Requirements:

* Attendance at all announced course sessions is mandatory.
* Participation in this course is only possible after successfully completing an online safety training, including a test.
* The test can be completed on Moodle starting the day after successful registration and activation, and no later than October 20, 2025.
* A score of 100% (21 points) is required to pass the test.

Course Schedule:

December 1, 2025, 08:00–13:00: Lecture
December 2, 2025, 08:00–12:00: Sample preparation
December 4, 2025: Moodle test "Theory of SEM and EDX"
December 5, 2025, 08:00–12:00: Training on SEM (JEOL IT 300)
December 9, 2025, 08:00–12:00: Training on Low Vacuum, EDAX
December 10, 2025, 08:00–12:30: 3 time slots for 2 participants each
December 11, 2025, 08:00–12:30: 3 time slots for 2 participants each
December 12, 2025, 08:00–12:00: 1 time slot for 2 participants
December 15, 2025, 08:00–12:00: 1 time slot for 2 participants
December 16, 2025, 08:00–12:00: 1 time slot for 2 participants

The reservation of time slots will be managed via Moodle. Use the free time between slots to prepare the Materials and Methods section for your short presentation.

Preparation Days for Short Presentation and Discussion:

December 17–18, 2025

Create a short presentation in PowerPoint that includes the following:

Materials and Methods section of the organism you selected.
Presentation of a selection of images created during the course:
Comparison of detector usage
Different settings (e.g., voltage, probe current, working distance, apertures)
SE and BSE detectors
LV and HV modes
Discussion of the quality of your images and suggestions for improving image quality.
Analysis of potential artifacts.

The short presentation should last 10–15 minutes.

Final Session:

December 19, 2025, 08:00–11:00: Final discussion, short presentations, brief review of the theory.
   

  • Friday 19.12. 08:00 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.005, Ebene 1

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Content and Methods:

Our scanning electron microscope (SEM) offers a wide range of technical capabilities for analyzing various types of samples.

In this exercise, students will learn both the necessary sample preparation steps and the operation of the SEM.
The goal is to enable students to independently use the equipment with their own samples afterward.

The following techniques will be applied practically on the SEM:

Secondary electron detection in low and high vacuum,
Backscattered electron detection in low and high vacuum,
Energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX) using the EDX detector.

Assessment and permitted materials

Choice of relevant methods for sample preparation, work in our chemlab, operating preparation instruments and SEM, evaluation and interpretation of results.
1) Moodle Test: CIUS Safety instructions for the EM Lab (has to be done before practical work)
2) Cooperation
3) Short Presentation
4) Test

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Every part has to be positive

Safety instructions CIUS lab 25 points
Cooperation 25 points
Short presentation 25 points
Test 25 points

0 - 50 points 5
51 - 67 points 4
67 - 81 points 3
82 - 90 points 2
91 - 100 points 1

Examination topics

Theoretical Foundations: Demonstration of a solid understanding of the theoretical principles covered in the lectures.
Practical Operation: Ability to safely and independently operate the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and relevant sample preparation equipment.
Instrument Settings and Optimization: Competence in selecting and adjusting appropriate instrument settings to achieve optimal results for different types of samples.
Literature Research: Conducting targeted literature research on sample preparation for a selected organism and applying the acquired knowledge.
Data Analysis and Interpretation: Ability to analyze, interpret, and critically evaluate experimental results.

Reading list

Will be presented during the course.

Association in the course directory

MAN 3, MEC-9, MBO 7, MZO 2, MZO4, MZO2

Last modified: Fr 04.07.2025 11:06