DARIS Center for Scientific Research and Technology Development providing training in:

 

Electron Microscopy Unit

1.  Operation of Transmission Electron Microscope

 Aims to train participants to become competent TEM operators familiar with the basic parameters which influence the image. Topics covered include the illumination system, electron lenses and their aberrations, image formation and resolution, staining and contrast, the vacuum system and contamination, electron diffraction, and digital imaging. The course is designed for users with no previous EM experience.

2.  Operation of Scanning Electron Microscope

 Participants will be trained to become competent SEM operators at a basic skills level. Topics covered include secondary and backscattered electron imaging, the effect of accelerating voltage, depth of field, and resolution. The course is designed for users with no previous EM experience.

3.  Specimen Preparation & ultramicrotomy for Biological Transmission Electron Microscopy.

 Provides theoretical background and practical knowledge of basic routine specimen preparation techniques. It covers biological specimen preparation for TEM, including fixation, embedding, sectioning, staining, and negative staining, as well as introducing advanced methods such as immunoelectron microscopy and autoradiography. 
4.  Specimen Preparation for Biological Scanning Electron Microscopy.

 Theoretical background and practical knowledge of basic routine specimen preparation techniques. It covers biological specimen preparation for SEM including fixation, critical point drying and sputter coating.

5.  Specimen Preparation for Material Transmission Electron Microscopy.

 Practical training in the preparation of a wide range of materials for electron microscopy, including metals, semiconductors, powders, ceramics and thin films. It trains users in the preparation of plan sections and powders for studying the microstructure of materials, using a wide range of preparation techniques.

6. Specimen Preparation for Material Scanning Electron Microscopy.

 Practical training in the preparation of a wide range of materials for electron microscopy, including metals, semiconductors, powders, ceramics and thin films. It trains users in the preparation of plan sections and powders for studying the microstructure of materials, using a wide range of preparation techniques.

 

Mass Spectrometry Unit

 The MS Unit can provide a number of possible analytical courses available to the interested parties. These courses can be:

1. Either structured general courses on the use of Chromatographic techniques such as HPLC-UV, LC-MS, GC-FID, GC-MS analysis or Spectroscopy techniques such as ICP-MS or Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy.
2. Or alternatively the courses can be designed to fit the needs of the clients and potential trainees. For example, sample preparation and analysis of pesticides in various matrices such as soil, plant material or sample preparation and quantification of heavy metals in soil, plants, food, water or other possible matrices.

 Typical courses carried out by the departmental in the past have been LC-MS/MS Practical Based Training course and Food Mycology short course. The LC-MS/MS course was a general but in depth understanding of Mass Spectrometry techniques, whereas the Food Mycology course was a specific area of Mycology i.e. the spoilage of food material by fungi (See Link). A typical course would usually last for one week with a great portion consisting of practical and laboratory based sessions. However, as with the actual course contents, the length of each course and time table can be designed to suit the needs and requirements of the participants.

Histology & Immunohistochemistry Unit

At the Histology and Immunohistochemistry we provide training courses for government and privet sectors. 
Today, there are more jobs for histotechnicians. The need is great everywhere throughout the country. Histotechnicians have an unlimited choice of practice settings. Job openings for qualified histotechnicians can be found in:

1. hospitals.
2. clinics
3. specialty labs such as demapathology and urology
4. pharmaceutical, or medical research
5. veterinary pathology
6. marine biology
7. forensic pathology

Histology is the study of organic tissue, and histology technicians work with laboratory equipment and help to conduct research. With a certificate in histology, you will be trained to prepare plant, animal or human tissue for review. As a histotechnician or histotechnologist, you will work with researchers and pathologists to identify abnormalities or illness in the tissue
Common Histology training Courses
Below are some of the common courses found in programs for aspiring histology technicians and technologists.

1.  Histology Laboratory

 Laboratory work is the foundation of histology and involves much more than working at a microscope. This will be taught at the start of histology training programs to provide a framework for the training that follows. Lab protocols are especially important and include infection control, sharps safety and precise documentation. Another focus of the training course is management and organization of the laboratory.

2. Histology Techniques

 Both student and histology technicians/ technologists must learn how to cut and stain tissue, and then put them on slides for review under a microscope. The training courses covered, histology techniques include the steps needed to process, embed and fix tissue samples onto slides. In addition to lectures, classes mostly include hands on experience that students and trainers may practice using instruments and staining techniques for creating slides.

3. Identification of Tissues

 The student and trainees will gain a basic understanding of the lab environment and techniques, differentiate and identify tissue sources by examining their cellular structures. Knowledge of the functions of healthy tissues helps form a baseline for exploring tissue pathologies.

4. Chemistry and Techniques of Staining 
Once students, histology technicians/ technologists have skills in tissue slide preparation using fixation techniques, they learn staining processes to highlight various tissue components.

• Food Mycology Short Course
• Food Mycology Enhanced Course