Microscopy

Microscopes

A microscope allows a scientist to observe objects that are so small that they are invisible to the naked eye. 

The word Microscope comes from two Greek words:-

Micro - This means "Small"

Scope - This means "To look at"

The diagram below shows the main parts of a microscope:-

How to Use a Microscope

Microscopes are quite complicated tools, but when properly, they can show incredible details that could not be seen with the naked eye. In order to use a microscope correctly, the method below should be followed:-

Images Through a Microscope

The following images show a variety of objects as seen through a microscope. Some of the objects will be common items, other will be objects that will be looked at later in the unit:-

The Image above shows a microscopic view of a moss leaf. The small "sections" in the leaf are called cells, and will be the main focus of this unit. 

The image above shows a microscopic view of a butterfly wing. The colour pattern on a butterfly depends on the pigments within the cells of the wing.

The Image above shows a microscopic view of snowflakes. Each one is unique, the shape of each snowflake never repeats. 

The Image above shows a microscopic view of a Single-celled organism, called a Tardigrade. 

The image above shows a microscopic view of a spider. This photo was taken using a specialised microscope to show a 3D image. This image was not taken with an optical microscope, but with an electron microscope. This high-tech microscope doesn't work using light, but uses electrons instead. This allows much smaller objects to be observed than can be with light. How an electron microscope works will be discussed in Higher Physics. 

As a Microbiologist, you would study micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and algae. Your work could be used to prevent diseases, make new medicines or grow more food.

You could work in a variety of different areas.

If you work in healthcare as a clinical microbiologist you would identify pathogens – which produce diseases – and work out how to protect communities from the spread of infection.

You would also present the findings of your research, supervise the work of support staff and do administrative work.

If you work as a researcher and lecturer in a university or teaching hospital, you would tutor, mentor and supervise students.