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Elements of Microscopy
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:06
Abstract
The lecture reviews the basics of microscopy by discussing wave propagation, diffraction phenomena and aberrations. It gives the basics of light microscopy, introducing fluorescence, wide-field, confocal and multiphoton imaging. It further covers 3D electron microscopy and 3D X-ray tomographic micro and nanoimaging.
Objective
Solid introduction to the basics of microscopy, either with visible light, electrons or X-rays.
Content
It would be impossible to imagine any scientific activities without the help of microscopy. Nowadays, scientists can count on very powerful instruments that allow investigating sample down to the atomic level. The lecture includes a general introduction to the principles of microscopy, from wave physics to image formation. It provides the physical and engineering basics to understand visible light, electron and X-ray microscopy. During selected exercises in the lab, several sophisticated instrument will be explained and their capabilities demonstrated.
Resources
Literature
Available Online.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , DR , MSC , NDS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Elements of Microscopy |
|
3 h weekly |
Offered In
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6th semester: third year core courses (Can be freely combined, a list of detailed recommendations is available under )
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Specialization: Biomedical Engineering (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Biomedical Engineering" but students may choose core courses from all fields freely.)
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Biomedical Engineering Master (Only courses offered under "GESS Science in Perspective" count in this category. See "Offered in" tab in course view. For more information, please refer to )
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Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Bioelectronics track. Please consult your track adviser if you wish to select other subjects.)
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Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Bioimaging track. Please consult your track adviser if you wish to select other subjects.)
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Electives (Students are free to choose from a range of D-CHAB chemistry courses appropriate to their level of study (please note admission requirements). In case of doubt, contact the student administration.)
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General Electives (Students may choose General Electives from the entire course programme of ETH Zurich - with the following restrictions: courses that belong to the first or second year of a Bachelor curriculum at ETH Zurich as well as courses from GESS "Science in Perspective" are not eligible here. The following courses are explicitly recommended to physics students by their lecturers. (Courses in this list may be assigned to the category "General Electives" directly in myStudies. For the category assignment of other eligible courses keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.))
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Doctorate Physics (More Information at: )
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Subject Specialisation (Please note that this is an INCOMPLETE list of courses.)
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