During the visit, students learned about both scanning and transmission electron microscopes, beginning with an informative talk from Glenn, an electron microscopist at the university. He explained the complex and highly detailed process involved in preparing samples for electron microscopy, which can take four to five days and involves multiple specialist techniques. Students were also introduced to freeze-plunging using liquid nitrogen, an advanced method used to preserve samples prior to imaging.

Students then had the opportunity to observe a range of fascinating specimens using the microscopes, linking what they saw directly to topics studied in their A Level Biology course. Images included a tick, macrophages, biofilms taken from dental patients, and a bacteriophage. The level of detail and resolution was particularly impressive, particularly the barbs on the tick’s mouthparts, which clearly demonstrated how well it is adapted to its environment.

Students spoke enthusiastically about the experience:

“Seeing the specimens at such a high resolution really helped me understand the content we’ve been learning in class,” said one student.

“I didn’t realise how much preparation went into using an electron microscope — it was amazing to see how advanced the process is,” added another.

“It’s definitely made me more interested in studying science at university,” commented a third student.

The visit brought classroom learning to life and offered valuable insight into real-world scientific careers — and who knows, it may even have inspired some future electron microscopists.