SCB-203 Laboratory 1 Part I. Care and Use of the Compound Light Microscope
I. Read pages 60-64 and pay attention to “How to Approach Microscopy” on page 65. You might see a typo in
the heading (it might say something else).
II. Identify the location and functions of the following microscope parts (explained by your instructor): stage,
arm, upper mechanical stage knob, lower mechanical stage knob, coarse adjustment knob, fine adjustment
knob, condenser, iris diaphragm lever, objectives* (scanning objective, low power objective, high power
objective, oil immersion objective), ocular, eye piece, stage clips, revolving nose piece, lamp, on off switch,
brightness control, pointer (in ocular).
(*Note – there are various correct ways of naming the objectives. We will use the following set of definitions:
Scanning objective = 5X, low power objective = 10X, high power objective = 40X and oil immersion objective =
100X).
III. Understand the meaning and reasoning for the following rules (explained by your instructor):
1. Always carry the microscope with one hand on the arm and the other hand under the base.
2. Always begin focusing with the scanning objective in place and the stage all the way down.
3. Never adjust the coarse adjustment knob at higher objectives (low, high and immersion).
4. Only use lens paper and cleaner on the microscope slides, objectives and ocular lenses.
5. Never use the oil immersion objective without immersion oil.
6. Never let the electrical cord to drop down from the bench top.
7. Wrap the microscope cord and place in a 3x3x3x4 configuration in the cabinets (if in E-317).
IV. Understand the location and importance of the following microscope terms (as explained by your
instructor): compound microscope, field of vision (or view), working distance, total magnification, binocular,
parfocal lenses, depth of view.
V. Steps on using the microscope (your instructor will elaborate and explain it in more detail).
1. Viewing a specimen using the scanning objective.
A. The microscope should be plugged in and the lamp turned on.
B. The scanning objective should be in place and the stage should be all the way down.
C. Place the slide on the stage by securing with the stage clips.
D. Raise the stage all the way using the coarse adjustment knob.
E. Center the slide and adjust the intensity of the light.
F. Slowly focus (downward) using the coarse adjustment knob.
G. Center the slide and adjust the intensity of the light (if necessary).
H. Focus using the fine adjustment knob.
I. Center the slide and adjust the intensity of the light.
2. Changing from scanning to low power objective.
A. The specimen should be in focus with the scanning objective.
B. Rotate the revolving nose piece until the low power objective is in place. If it appears that it will hit
the slide then step 1 above was not done correctly. You need to start over.
C. Adjust using the fine adjustment knob until in focus. DO NOT ADJUST THE COARSE
I. Read pages 60-64 and pay attention to “How to Approach Microscopy” on page 65. You might see a typo in
the heading (it might say something else).
II. Identify the location and functions of the following microscope parts (explained by your instructor): stage,
arm, upper mechanical stage knob, lower mechanical stage knob, coarse adjustment knob, fine adjustment
knob, condenser, iris diaphragm lever, objectives* (scanning objective, low power objective, high power
objective, oil immersion objective), ocular, eye piece, stage clips, revolving nose piece, lamp, on off switch,
brightness control, pointer (in ocular).
(*Note – there are various correct ways of naming the objectives. We will use the following set of definitions:
Scanning objective = 5X, low power objective = 10X, high power objective = 40X and oil immersion objective =
100X).
III. Understand the meaning and reasoning for the following rules (explained by your instructor):
1. Always carry the microscope with one hand on the arm and the other hand under the base.
2. Always begin focusing with the scanning objective in place and the stage all the way down.
3. Never adjust the coarse adjustment knob at higher objectives (low, high and immersion).
4. Only use lens paper and cleaner on the microscope slides, objectives and ocular lenses.
5. Never use the oil immersion objective without immersion oil.
6. Never let the electrical cord to drop down from the bench top.
7. Wrap the microscope cord and place in a 3x3x3x4 configuration in the cabinets (if in E-317).
IV. Understand the location and importance of the following microscope terms (as explained by your
instructor): compound microscope, field of vision (or view), working distance, total magnification, binocular,
parfocal lenses, depth of view.
V. Steps on using the microscope (your instructor will elaborate and explain it in more detail).
1. Viewing a specimen using the scanning objective.
A. The microscope should be plugged in and the lamp turned on.
B. The scanning objective should be in place and the stage should be all the way down.
C. Place the slide on the stage by securing with the stage clips.
D. Raise the stage all the way using the coarse adjustment knob.
E. Center the slide and adjust the intensity of the light.
F. Slowly focus (downward) using the coarse adjustment knob.
G. Center the slide and adjust the intensity of the light (if necessary).
H. Focus using the fine adjustment knob.
I. Center the slide and adjust the intensity of the light.
2. Changing from scanning to low power objective.
A. The specimen should be in focus with the scanning objective.
B. Rotate the revolving nose piece until the low power objective is in place. If it appears that it will hit
the slide then step 1 above was not done correctly. You need to start over.
C. Adjust using the fine adjustment knob until in focus. DO NOT ADJUST THE COARSE
