Universität Wien

300218 UE Scanning electron microscopy - techniques and preparations for biologists (2026S)

5.00 ECTS (3.00 SWS), SPL 30 - Biologie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

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

Participation in all announced course units is mandatory!          
Participation in this course is only possible after completing an online safety briefing including a test.      
The corresponding test can be taken in Moodle from the day after successful registration and activation until 06.03.2026 at the latest.  
You must achieve 100%.                            

09.03.2026_08:00 - 13:00. Lecture.
10.03.2026_08:00 - 12:00. Sample preparation.            
11.03.2026 Prepare for multiple choice test.
12.03.2026 Final day for multiple choice test. Rector's day.          
13.03.2026_08:00 - 12:00. Introduction SEM JEOL IT 300.          
16.03.2026_08:00 - 12:00. Introduction Low Vacuum, EDAX.          
17.03.2026_08:00 - 12:30. 3 Time slots for 2 persons each.          
18.03.2026_08:00 - 12:30. 3 Time slots for 2 persons each.          
19.03.2026_08:00 - 12:00. 1 Time slot for 2 persons.          
20.03.2026_08:00 - 12:00. 1 Time slot for 2 persons.          
23.03.2026_08:00 - 12:00. 1 Time slot for 2 persons.          

The time slots can be booked in Moodle.          
 
Use the time between the time slots to prepare your Material and Methods part for the short presentation.          

24.03 - 26.06.2026 Time to prepare for the short presentation and the discussion.    

Create a short presentation in Power Point that includes the following.
1) Material and method section of your chosen organism.
2) Present a selection of photos taken during the course:
Compare:
the use of the two detectors different settings regarding voltage, probe current, working distance, apertures, ...SE, BSE detectors LV, HV modes
3) Discuss the quality of your photos and make suggestions on how the image quality could be improved.
4) Discuss possible artifacts.
The short presentation should last 10 - 15 minutes.

27.03.2026_08:00 - 11:00. Final meeting, short presentations, discussion of theory.        

  • Monday 09.03. 08:00 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1.3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.005, Ebene 1
  • Friday 27.03. 08:00 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.2, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.004, Ebene 1

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Content and Methods:
Our scanning electron microscope (SEM) offers a wide range of technical options for morphological investigations of microstructures across diverse samples. A semi-quantitative microanalysis that examines elemental composition complements the imaging techniques and enables the correlative evaluation of morphology and chemistry.
In this practical course, students learn both the necessary preparation steps and the operation of the SEM using various organisms.
The following techniques are applied 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 27.02.2026 11:27