At FILM, we’re always keen to improve our performance and learn from your experience so we can do better. We regularly ask our users for feedback — here’s what they told us they liked most about the training:

  • "Firstly, the theory behind the microscope was very useful and gives me a clear concept on how the microscope works. Also extremely helpful that I know what each parameter is for instead of just pressing buttons. Secondly, really good hand-illustrated graphs. Finally, a clear demonstration with Confocal. Had a good run-through with live sample."
  • "Very detailed background on microscopy physics and set-up."
  • "It was a good combination of theoretical and practical information."
  • "Razieh was very knowledgeable and explained very well all the practical knowledge I need to know about the microscope & also where to find help if needed."
  • "Covered mostly the different types of images and useful strategies for capturing that I can do on the machine. Time to look at my samples."
  • "Very clearly explained and demonstrated with many chances to practice myself and get used to the microscope."
  • "I like that I am not just being told how to use it, but that I have room to use it myself and "play" around with it to see how to get various images. Hands-on learning is best."
  • "Razieh created a comfortable atmosphere that made focusing and learning easier and more effective. It's much easier to absorb information when you feel relaxed rather than stressed. The session was well-structured, allowing me enough time to take notes and ask questions without feeling overwhelmed. She provided me with clear explanations and hands-on demonstrations, allowing me ample time to practice on my own."
  • "Tailored for my samples and very friendly and informative. I feel confident in using the HCF3 now."
  • "It was tailored to our purposes: the microscopes functions were presented on our samples and we could discuss the questions immediately with trainer."
  • "I really appreciated how well Razieh explained each step of how to use this microscope. In addition, I also enjoyed practising these steps myself with Razieh's guidance."
  • "own samples; doing things yourself"
  • "The way she lets me try taking images on my own. By doing it on my own, I can raise questions that can help me to understand the system better."
  • "Overall very simplified, easy to understand training :)"
  • "Very clear explanation of the basic principles of confocal microscopy. I enjoyed being able to take pictures of my sample and try out the different features of the microscope."
  • "Very detailed theoretical background with graphic explanations, step-by-step teaching on set-up of microscopy, easy to follow."
  • "Very thorough training, reiterated five key values of microscopy, allowed me to ask questions and time to use microscope alone."
  • "Nice background on microscopy and detailed advice on optimization."
  • "Practical aspect - I practiced every step from operating the microscope to switching off. Very helpful protocol."
  • "Thorough explanation of background concepts and visuals."
  • "I learned lots about optimising output."
  • "Hands-on experience alongside theory."
  • "Everything. I liked that we began with basic theory and then go to practical handling. Gave good understanding for each component."
  • "The training was thorough and the practical aspect helps bring confidence for future independent use."
  • "Instructions were very clear and a lot of hands-on practice, which was very useful to help understand how to use the microscope."
  • "Practice as we went through each function."
  • "The explanation of the background (theoretical background). Practical training (getting hands-on experience)."
  • "The theoretical component really helped me understand how the lasers work, even though I have experience with the microscope, I didn't know much about the theory behind it."
  • "I liked that the background theory was explained. I didn't understand before the reason why I was changing gain/power/pinhole/using oil etc. and now I understand the reason for the steps carried out."
  • "I was shown some slides on the fundamentals of confocal microscopy which was really helpful. I was given a chance to practice using and adjusting the settings which was great."
  • "It was good to learn both theoretical and practical part."
  • "Learning to use software properly. Instructor was very helpful and great."
  • "The basic knowledge about confocal microscope. [That] we can use [our] own sample in the training."
  • "Clear explanations. Useful basic principles insights. Good pace."
  • "Clarity of explanation both in the theoretical part and in the practical part. They answered my questions in a very extensive way."
  • "I liked the in-depth analysis of all bits in the beginning a lot and the software explanation."
  • "The theory part before the practical session is very helpful, it gives me an idea of how the confocal works. I highly recommend this part."
  • "Very good explanation of how to set up and work with samples."
  • "I really enjoyed learning about the theoretical side of using the microscope. I have a background using HCF2/3, but couldn't remember all the principles of why certain parameters were used and so the theory was very helpful."
  • "I liked that I got to learn about the background of the microscope and the theory of how it works in more detail. I also liked the way the images turned out and how I was taught to adjust parameters to obtain a better image quality."
  • "Practical experience & organisation overall. Started from basics & covered everything."
  • "Theory suitable for beginners."
  • "Giving the background and methodology to microscopy as a complete beginner. The pace of the training is good."
  • "Details about the principles of imaging and how to best use them for best imaging."
  • "Thorough explanation of everything, in-depth about principles of microscopy."
  • "Explanations; very clear, thorough concepts; made sense."
  • "Very helpful. Very approachable. Very individualised."
  • "The educator is so patient and learned. The equipment is user-friendly."
  • "[Razieh] explains everything very clearly and gives us opportunities to try each function on our own."
  • "Clear + easy to follow."
  • "Very hands on and actually asking us to practice, not just showing; very thorough in answering questions / resolving doubts."
  • "I really enjoyed getting to know more about the microscope overall. The spiral command & the 3D image view were amazing discoveries."
  • "I liked the time taken to allow me to explore and capture my own images, and also to make sure I am confident with what I am looking for. [Razieh] answered all my questions."
  • "David was very knowledgeable and really explained in great detail how to get the best quality images in terms of acquisition setup. Highlighting what can be done to speed up imaging but signposting what will compromise image quality."
  • "Training was specific to our needs and purposes."
  • "Knowledgeable [about what] each set up [meant]. [A] foundation on confocal microscope[s]."
  • "Lots of detail given about the microscope function, software use and ways to better experimental design."
  • "Very hands on and actually walking through each step, personalized to what I am bringing and what I am working on, and [getting] a private training session."
  • "It was interesting to learn how the microscope works."
  • "step by step; safety;  problem solving."
  • "the best training experience in [Imperial College London] so far"
  • "Practice during the session and revision and feedback. Suggestions about my experiment and imaging (custom)."
  • "In depth explanation, step-by-step demonstration, help in setting up future experiments, live demonstration, recommendation of software."
  • "Detailed and clear instructions."
  • "Since it was a one-on-one session, the training was tailored to my personal needs. The topic is complex and challenging, but Volodymyr made it easier to understand by using relatable examples. The training was interactive, and I felt encouraged to ask questions and request details that I didn’t grasp right away."
  • "Very detailed explanations and very informative."
  • "Showing me the (file scan/navigation) feature on the microscope to allow for a quick overview of slide."
  • "Time to try techniques myself - [the] trainer answered all [my] questions."
  • "The trainer was patient when handling our questions and had given us sufficient time to play around with the microscope."