Nanotechnology students from La Trobe University visit the AS every year as part of their third-year synchrotron science and technology unit.

As well as learning about the properties and applications of synchrotron radiation, the students tour the synchrotron and undertake practical experiments and other activities on different beamlines. Many AS staff help out with the course and the design of the beamline experiments, including Danielle Martin and course lecturer Anton Tadich, who both hold adjunct positions with La Trobe University.

In May 2012, three groups of La Trobe nanotechnology students spent time on the far-infrared (far-IR) beamline and the x-ray macromolecular crystallography (MX) beamline. Another group joined in ‘remotely’ from the data visualisation laboratory on the La Trobe campus.

The students also enjoyed a hands-on visit to the soft x-ray beamline and a practical session that simulated undulator and bending magnet radiation.

Course organiser Peter Kappen from La Trobe University said the university used its foundation investor beamtime for the course because it was “important to get students onto real-world equipment and instruments”.

“The hands-on approach helps students to develop their understanding of what you can do with science. It is a brilliant opportunity for them and a powerful learning experience made possible with the assistance of several groups at the Australian Synchrotron, including the MX and far-IR teams, VeRSI, and corporate support staff.”

Photos

Above right (L-R): Danielle Martin and Ruth Plathe on the far-IR beamline with synchrotron science and technology students from La Trobe University

Above left: Andrew Peele (AS) hosts a remote videolink session for students at La Trobe University. Photo: La Trobe University