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Accessing CALM

CALM prides itself in not only acting as a hub for optical microscopes at McMaster University, but also as a learning center for microscopy and scientific research. This is why we strive to teach the basic components and working principles of microscopy to our users during training. This allows them to independently operate, troubleshoot and push the microscope to its limits for cutting-edge scientific research. To obtain training on any of our equipment, please follow the steps below.

STEP 1 – Create an Account or Login on Infinity X

CALM uses Infinity X as its booking system, all requests and reservations are made through this platform.

  1. Sign into InfinityX in via the SSO (CLICK ON THE BLUE BUTTON) option here if you are a McMaster University employee/student, or create an account if you are external to the university
    1. If you are a McMaster student/employee and this is your first time logging into InfinityX, select your principal investigator and request access to their lab.
  2. Once logged in, request access to CALM.
    1. If you already have an account (e.g. user of facilities), simply request access to CALM by click on “My Profile” at the top right, scroll down and click on the “My Core Research Platforms” tab, then search for CALM and click Add.

STEP 2 – Fill out the Training Request (or Imaging Request) Form in Infinity X

  1. Once your access to CALM has been approved (you will receive a notification), click on “Request Forms” tab on the left hand side of Infinity X.
  2. Click on “Training Request Form” (or Imaging Request form) and fill out the appropriate chart fields under Account Type. Please contact your principal investigator for this information.
    1. Select a PC Business Unit (RFMAC if you are in Science/Engineering, RFHSC if you are in Health Sciences)
    2. Select the appropriate Project Number from the drop-down list (ask your PI for this).
    3. Under Account, select User Fees. The rest of the fields (Fund, Department, Percentage) should auto-populate.
  3. Fill out the form and submit it.
  4. Go to your account profile (MyProfile), and under My billing codes, define the default chart field that should be used with your future bookings. This will ensure that you only have to input that information once (step 2). More details on how to do this can be found here.

Once we receive and process your form, we will send you an email with our advice on the best instrument to tackle your questions and schedule you for training if needed.

STEP 3 – Complete and Upload Safety Training

Before you can begin your instrument training, you must ensure that you have completed all of the safety training that is required to access CALM.

  1. In Infinity X, click on My Profile at the top right, click on Additional Details and upload screenshot of your MOSAIC training summary, which must include all of the modules list below.
  2. Record the expiry date of your safety trainings.
  3. If you have an access card (not for FHS, but general campus buildings like ABB), scroll up and type your access card number in the User Management section.
  • WHIMIS 2015
  • Asbestos Awareness
  • Laser Safety
  • Ergonomics
  • Chemical Handling and Spills
  • Health and Safety Orientation
  • Fire Safety
  • Violence & Harassment Prevention in the Workplace
  • Slips, Trips and Falls
  • Due Dilligence
  • Gas Cylinder Training
  • Biohazard Awareness
  • Primer on Privacy
  • Biosafety Training (for access to Biosafety Room)

STEP 4 – Attend Training Sessions

CALM staff will shortly contact you to schedule your training sessions. All our equipment (except the EVOS plate reader) require two training sessions that are two hours each. The two sessions typically occur within 2-3 days from each other, and the user must have a sample ready for the second session.

Session 1: The first session covers the basic components and operation of the microscope, where we use our own sample to teach the necessary steps needed to obtain high quality microscopy images.

Session 2: The second session is geared towards your own sample and research question, where you will be shadowed by our staff while acquiring a microscopy image from your own samples. You are expected to be able to troubleshoot and show independence and ease at the microscope.

Once both training sessions and the listed safety modules have been successfully completed, you will be granted access to book the microscope through MacLIMS and given card-access to CALM.

If have you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach us at calm@mcmaster.ca, or visit our InfinityX help page.