Okayama University Enhances Technical Training with Optical Microscope Curriculum in Medical Engineering Course

Enhancing Technical Training at Okayama University

In an effort to elevate the skills of technical staff, Okayama University, a national university located in Okayama City, implemented a critical curriculum in the TC College’s medical engineering program on July 14, 2025. This program is designed to cultivate highly skilled technical personnel necessary for modern scientific research and innovation.

The curriculum, titled "Introduction to Biological Optical Microscopy," was held at the university’s Shikata Campus and featured a hybrid format that combined in-person lectures and hands-on practical training, accessible both online and onsite. The in-person segment included contributions from specialists such as Masahiro Fujii, a technical expert in equipment analysis, and Miki Iwama, specialized in medical technology.

Knowledge Transfer Through Lectures and Practical Sessions

The lectures featured insights from experienced technical staff, including Masahiro Narasaki and Moe Tsukano, who covered topics on the types of optical microscopes, their structures, and the principles behind their observation techniques. This foundational knowledge is essential for understanding the intricate workings of the microscopes often used in research settings.

In the practical portion, participants received hands-on training in microscope calibration, observation methods, and maintenance directly from Shinichi Takashita, a manager in the Marketing Department of Okuma Corporation. This practical engagement provided participants the opportunity to apply what they learned in a real-world context, leading to an engaging and interactive experience filled with active Q&A sessions.

Participants expressed high satisfaction with the program. Technical staff member Fujii remarked, "I was able to learn in detail about the structure and principles of the microscopes we commonly use. The knowledge gained, as well as the resolution of my previous questions, made this training incredibly valuable. I aim to leverage this new knowledge in my work." Another participant, Iwama, noted, "The foundational knowledge acquired regarding microscopes is indispensable for various testing processes, and I appreciate the thorough teaching and practical sessions provided by the instructors. I find it essential for anyone using microscopes to consider participating in this course."

Future Prospects and Continuing Education

Saito Nobuhito, the Vice President and technical supervisor of the総合技術部 (Comprehensive Technology Department), emphasized the importance of this initiative, expressing gratitude to Mr. Takashita for his contributions as an instructor. He elucidated the university’s commitment to fostering knowledge workers who can generate new value from expertise and wisdom. "We will ensure that the knowledge gained from TC College is effectively applied within operations to create novel outcomes," Saito affirmed.

The medical engineering course offers various curricula, and there are plans for future offerings aligned with student enrollment. Participants are encouraged to consider these training sessions as vital opportunities for professional development.

In addition to this program, the Comprehensive Technology Department at Okayama University aims to strengthen its research and educational support through collaboration among technical staff and diverse training programs. The university is committed to strategically advancing its research capabilities by leveraging its strengths in pertinent fields.

As a research university that emphasizes co-creation with society for both local and global futures, Okayama University continues to pursue innovation and confront challenges actively. The university invites expectations of ongoing advancements facilitated by its technical staff as they engage in transformative research endeavors. With strong ties to other institutions, such as the TC College of Tokyo Institute of Technology, Okayama University provides further educational pathways aimed at producing high-level technical professionals able to meet the demands of contemporary science and technology.

Additional Information

Individuals interested in the TC College curricula can visit the following links for more details:

As Okayama University continues its mission of supporting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it remains dedicated to the advancement of research and innovation, positioning itself as a flagship institution within Japan’s educational landscape.