The 2-day* SEM short course comprises a series of small group seminars with open discussions, supported by the hands-on practical sessions. A significant proportion of the course is spent on the microscope, ensuring maximum practical exposure and confidence in SEM operation.
By the end of the course, you will have:
• An understanding of SEM principles and electron–sample interactions
• Practical experience in sample preparation and microscope operation
• Hands‑on training in EDX spectroscopy and data interpretation
Topics covered in the lectures and practical sessions include:
• Fundamentals of scanning electron microscopy – How SEMs operate, including magnification vs. resolution, electron–surface interactions, and sample considerations
• Practical aspects of SEM operation – Sample preparation and suitability for SEM, electron emitter types, beam optimisation, detector selection for different analytical scenarios, and strategies for achieving high (nm‑scale) resolution
• Elemental analysis using EDX – Fundamental theory, detector and spectrometer types, analytical capabilities, sample considerations, modes of analysis, and interpretation of results
*Please note, the course can be extended to include a 3rd day covering electron back scattered diffraction analysis (EBSD) and/or providing an enhanced focus on sample preparation techniques.
To discuss this course with our expert team you can contact any the following:
- etc@brunel.ac.uk
- wayne.lam@brunel.ac.uk
- myles.worsley@brunel.ac.uk
