The Micropaleontology Lab is located in ESB 1-11A. The lab has state of the art microscopy and imaging equipment facilitating departmental research projects by students and faculty. A Mettler Toledo MX5 Balance on an anti-vibration table is also housed in the lab.
The lab has two Zeiss Axio Imager A1 transmitted light compound microscopes capable of polarizing, differential interference contrast (DIC), and phase contrast viewing. DIC is becoming the standard for viewing relatively transparent biological specimens and makes specimens appear 3D. The Axiovision software, associated with the microscope, documents what settings the microscope is set at when images are taken, e.g., objective power, focal depth, etc. Calibrated scale bars and annotations can be added while processing images. One of the scopes has a teaching tube attachment allowing a specimen to be viewed simultaneously by two people.
A Zeiss Stereo Discovery.V8 dissecting microscope with a motorized focus controller is ideal for viewing paleontologic and geologic specimens. It is equipped with a tall arm, allowing for the placement of very large specimens on the base. The Axiovision Software, associated with the microscope, allows the documentation of settings while images are taken. The software also facilitates the acquisition of z-stack images. These z-stack images can then be computed to an extended focus image allowing you to view your entire specimen in focus.
The Mettler Toledo MX5 Balance is a microanalytical balance offering hands free operation and touch screen capabilities. It has several weighing and counting functions. It is self calibrating and on an anti-vibration table allowing for very precise measurements.
Ryan McKellar
Contact Merilyn or Lisa for more information or to set up a training session. All users must receive training on the equipment prior to using it.
Sign up to use the equipment at http://booking.eas.ualberta.ca/.
A grant from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation provided funding for this facility.