BAG User Training

eBIC is currently encouraging regular BAG users to attend BAG User Training to enable them to collect data at eBIC more efficiently, effectively and independently. Training for rapid access users will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Primarily available to regular eBIC BAG users, training sessions are held remotely, and distributed fairly amongst BAGs who apply. The training type (SPA vs tomography) is based on demand. 

Training takes place on an eBIC Talos or Krios microscope. Focussed 3-day courses have been developed for EPU and Tomo operation. Training is provided in the peripheral systems required for a successful remote session. This is standard operator training and will ensure users have 100% coverage in their knowledge, as well as to equip them for the unique challenges of remote operation, with Local Contact support. For users, we aim to help them get the most from their sessions and for eBIC, we expect users to act as a local knowledge point to assist others in their BAG remote sessions.

Once trained, users will be able to set up a single particle or tomography collection sessions using EPU/Tomo software, with support from their local contact at key stages. Training in how to change samples in the cassette and session set up will enable independent multi-grid collection sessions. Please communicate with your local contact to plan your collection strategy, data transfers and grid recovery.

Please browse this page or use the In This Section navigation to see the BAG User Training past and upcoming events.

eBIC has a limited number of places each year on the BAG User Training Programme. Currently, BAG coordinators are asked by eBIC to nominate priority users to receive training. Please speak to your BAG coordinator.

If you have access to eBIC via a rapid proposal, where typically more support is provided during the session, user training will be considered on a case by case basis. For other enquiries please reach out to eBIC's Training Coordinator (kyle.morris@diamond.ac.uk).

You may download a generic BAG User Training Programme (download) and the eBIC operation User Guides as an indication of the course curriculum, including:

Sample shipping, NoMachine for remote access and SynchWeb/ISPyB for on-the-fly data analysis. Sample changing (within EPU/Tomo), taking grid Atlases, manual navigation, imaging and documentation, target setup, calibrations and alignments (within EPU/Tomo), and automated data acqusition.

View the full calendar or browse eBIC BAG User Training dates below.

In light of the current success and predominance of remote sessions at eBIC, super user training is under review.

Once you have been accredited as a standard operator at eBIC and have completed a number of collection sessions (>5) independently, your local contact will discuss with you if you are able to progress to super-user accreditation.

You can apply directly for super-user accreditation, but it is only suitable for a small sub-set of expert users who regularly use Titan Krios Microscopes in their home institution (normally a facility manager). 

Super-users support other, less experienced researchers from their home institution, and require minimal support from an eBIC local contact. 

Please note that at this time eBIC user training is limited to EPU SPA operation.