Basic Microscopy

Key points

To function effectively in a microbiology laboratory, laboratorians must have a basic knowledge and understanding of the components, setup, procedures, and care and maintenance of a brightfield (compound) microscope. This basic eLearning course will instruct participants on the importance of a correctly setup bright field microscope for the identification of microorganisms.

Course length: 1 hour

Start Course

Course length: 1 hour

Training objectives

This course is part of the Microbiology Series.

At the conclusion of this program, participants should be able to:

  • Identify the major components of the microscope and their function.
  • Identify how to maintain a microscope.
  • Discuss the role of Kohler illumination in microscopy.
  • Describe the process to correctly focus on the appropriate field of view.
  • Use the ocular micrometer to measure an object under the microscope.
  • Demonstrate the ability to troubleshoot encountered problems with the microscope.

Free registration

  • Follow the link to register for the course
  • If you have difficulty with the online registration process, please email labtraining@cdc.gov

Accessibility

Course content is closed captioned, where applicable, and optimized for a screen reader.

Who this training is for

This basic level course is designed for new or existing public health and clinical laboratory professionals, individuals with a science background who are entering or reentering the microbiology field, or individuals needing training in basic microscopy principles and techniques.

Course content is closed captioned, where applicable, and optimized for a screen reader.

Continuing education (CE)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Laboratory Systems is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 1.0 contact hours of P.A.C.E.® credit.

P.A.C.E.® Course Number: 288-004-23

Training resources