The McCrone Group Inc., a scientific research company, announced the opening of the new College of Microscopy at its learning center in Westmont, Ill. The center now hosts the largest array of advanced modern microscopy courses and instrumentation of any single educational facility in the US, McCrone said. The college specializes in training materials analysis and forensics science specialists using light microscopy, electron microscopy and FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) and Raman spectroscopy, with the goal of training more than 1000 students a year. Since June 2005, the McCrone Group more than doubled its existing 25,800-sq-ft headquarters to 66,700 sq ft with the addition of the College of Microscopy, instrument sales group, analytical laboratory and business offices. Long-range plans for the college include offering formalized distance learning and advanced degree programs.