Programme Details

The Mary Ward Microbeam Laboratory at University College Cork is delighted to announce a new programme of Workshops in microbeam analyses.  The new programme offers a series of intensive courses in Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), micro-Raman spectroscopy and micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and introduction to ultramicrotomy.  The programme features a substantial amount of hands-on practical work (80%) using the advanced microbeam instrumentation located in the Lab. 

The workshops are suitable for any researcher who wishes to learn how to analyse the microstructure and chemistry of materials such as fossils (and their host sediment), minerals, rocks and other artefacts (e.g., archaeological and/or cultural heritage samples) using non-invasive microbeam techniques. The courses are suitable for complete beginners and those with some expertise but wish to upskill in these techniques. The workshops are tailored to the analysis of geological, palaeontological, archaeological and heritage materials, and will explain methods and approaches during sample preparation and analysis that are useful - or essential - when analysing unique samples. 

Overview 

Venue: Mary Ward Microbeam Facility, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Ireland 

SEM (2-day in person workshop):  

Micro-Raman spectroscopy (2-day in person workshop):  

FTIR microscopy (2-day in person workshop): 

Ultramicrotomy (1-day in person workshop):  

Data processing (½ day virtual workshop): 

Cost

Costs below include transaction fees, lunch and refreshments each day, but do not include accommodation. You may book more than one workshop. If you book a package of two or more workshops, the second workshop (and, where applicable, third and fourth workshops) are offered at a substantial discount (approx. 20%). 

1 x 2-day workshop (i.e., SEM / FTIR / Raman): €430 

Ultramicrotomy: €215 

Data processing: €150 

Workshop packages:  

2 x 2-day workshops: €775 

3 x 2-day workshops: €1100 

1 x 2-day workshop + 1 x 1-day workshop (ultramicrotomy): €530 

2 x 2-day workshop + 1 x 1-day workshop (ultramicrotomy): €910 

3 x 2-day workshop + 1 x 1-day workshop (ultramicrotomy): €1200 

Attendance strictly limited to 4 delegates per in-person workshop due to the hands-on nature of the course. 

Description

On these courses, you will participate in full-day hands-on practical sessions using key laboratory analytical techniques for the analysis of fossil microstructure and chemistry. 

Each course includes a practical laboratory session on sample preparation, and a synopsis of analytical theory delivered at the instrument.  

Participants of the Introduction to Ultramicrotomy short course will learn the basic elements of preparation of ultra-thin sections using an ultramicrotome. Ultrathin sections are necessary for analysis using TEM / STEM / nano-XRF / AFM / nano-IR / nano-SIMS. 

There will be an opportunity for you to prepare and characterize your own samples and have one-on-one discussion with members of the UCC team. You will gain hands-on experience using the instrument(s). 

The aim of each workshop is to provide you with a clear, robust framework for how best to analyse diverse samples using the techniques, and practical problem-solving skills that you can apply to diverse techniques and samples. 

The workshops are each designed for a small group of participants– maximum 4.  This will provide you with an optimum learning experience and facilitates discussion among participants.  

During the practical sessions at the instruments, you will learn: 

• The basic theory of how the instrument works 

• Essential and non-essential sample requirements 

• How to deal with non-ideal samples 

• The analytical process 

• Common mistakes and problems when analysing samples 

• How to get the most out of your samples – better resolution, better signal, avoiding sample damage 

During the practical session on sample preparation, you will learn: 

• Micro-sampling 

• Resin embedding (for polishing fossil samples) 

• Hand-polishing for SEM, FTIR, Raman 

Provisional programme

SEM

FTIR

Raman

Ultramicrotome 

Note: Course schedule may be subject to change.

Presenters

The workshops will be delivered by UCC staff with over 65 years’ collective experience in microbeam analytical work on geological and museum materials: 

• Prof. Maria McNamara, Professor of Palaeontology at UCC – expert in scanning- and transmission electron microscopy, ultramicrotomy, FTIR, experimental design and multivariate statistical analysis 

• Dr Valentina Rossi, postdoctoral researcher – expert in scanning electron microscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, experimental design and multivariate statistical analysis 

• Dr Shea (Tiffany) Slater, expert in FTIR, ultramicrotomy, sample preparation, experimental design and multivariate statistical analysis 

• Dr Richard Unitt, Research Fellow – expert in micro-Raman spectroscopy, mineralogy and petrography 

The presenters will share with you tips and tricks that they have learned during their careers analysing fossil and rock samples. 

Registration

Registration will open on Friday 24th July. Please check here for updates. We are more than happy to discuss the course with you in more detail and address any questions you may have. 

Note on bringing your own samples to Ireland: 

Small rock and fossil samples should normally be carried in your carry-on bag. It is advisable to obtain written permission to travel with the material from your country, as you may be asked to show this during the security check at the airport. For instance, if the samples / specimens are the property of your institution, the written permission can take the form of a letter from your supervisor / academic head. If the material is the property of a public museum collection, it is advisable to check in advance with the relevant curator whether any special permission is required in order to travel to a different country with the specimens, as this may take more time to arrange than a simple letter from the relevant curator.