2015/16 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

JUSH0108 Crystal Science and Engineering

15 creditsClass Size: 10

Module manager: Dr R I Ristic
Email: r.i.ristic@shef.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2015/16

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The key objective of this course is to introduce students with basic crystallographic concepts and description of the fundamental processes by which atoms, ions or molecules can be transformed into crystals and hence into products. For this purpose, the concepts such as crystallography, structural defects, phase equilibrium, solution and solubility, unsaturated, saturated and supersaturated solutions, metastable zone width, nucleation and crystal growth mechanisms, polymorphism and enatiomorphism have been considered. These concepts illustrate integrity and complexity of crystallisation process and how this process can be changed in a controllable manner in order to engineer particles with desired physical properties. These properties are: shape of particles, defect content, polymorphism, mechanical properties, bio-availability, impurity content, degree of crystallinity, filterability, particles with a desired state of surface properties, etc. Throughout the course two major attempts have been made: (a) to link the above properties with fundamental aspects of molecular self-assembly through particle formation in a comprehensive and accessible way, and (b) to emphasise significance and practical role of particle engineering in processing industries

Objectives

The aims of this module are:

1. To understand the basic features of Crystal Science and Engineering
2. To introduce the key principles of engineering of small crystalline particles
3. To understand the essence of phase diagrams and make a student able of using them for a rational selection of most appropriate crystallisation technique
4. To understand polymorphism on a molecular level and being able to recognise its importance in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
5. To introduce students with basic concepts of crystallography and related X-ray experimental techniques to characterise newly designed solid state products
To make students aware of a role of crystals in formulated products

Learning outcomes
It is expected from a student after taking this course to be able to master the above six issues on a routine basis. The measurable learning outcomes at this stage are active involvement of a student at lectures and tutorials. The problem solving at tutorials, based on small groups work, has been proved to be successful. Also, the exam outcome as a classical measure of the learning outcome confirmed that the main objectives from 15.1 have been to a considerable extent achieved.

The measurements of learning outcomes need a permanent attention and improvement. Updating of the module with current progress in the area of crystal science and engineering will probably require additional means for measurement of learning outcomes. Coursework is certainly one of the possibilities.

Syllabus

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Independent Learning	122	122.00	122.00
Lecture	11	22.00	22.00
Tutorial	4	4.00	4.00
Private study hours			124.00
Total Contact hours			148.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			272.00

Methods of assessment

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 20 mins	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 27/08/2014

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