2018/19 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
CAPE2710 Materials Synthesis and Characterisation
20 creditsClass Size: 200
Module manager: Dr N Hondow
Email: n.hondow@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2018/19
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
The objectives of this module are to provide students with:- a sound understanding of the physical and chemical principles which underpin both the synthesis of materials and their characterisation;
- the knowledge to be able to select appropriate processing routes with a view to producing materials with a desired combination of properties;
- the ability to select an appropriate range of advanced materials characterisation techniques, and analyse the data generated by these, in order to determine whether a particular processing route has resulted in the desired materials composition and microstructure.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should:
- understand the thermodynamic, kinetic and morphological principles underpinning materials synthesis;
- be able to apply these principles in understanding the design and capabilities of materials processing techniques;
- be able to design an appropriate processing route to synthesize a material with a controlled microstructure to deliver the required properties;
- understand the principles, applications and limitations of advanced materials characterisation techniques;
- be able to select a range of advanced materials characterisation techniques, and analyse the data generated by these, to characterise (chemically and structurally) the product from a materials synthesis process.
Syllabus
- Synthesis via phase transformations;
- Elements of a phase transformation;
- Order of a phase transformation;
- Thermodynamics and kinetics of first and second order phase transformations, including interfaces and transport processes;
- Microstructural development during transformations from the vapour, liquid and solid states and during crystallisation from solution;
- Microstructural control in materials processing via phase transformations;
- Microscopy: principles and applications of light and electron microscopy techniques;
- X-ray diffraction and characterisation;
- Scanning probe techniques;
- Spectroscopy and surface analysis;
- Examples of contemporary research in materials synthesis and characterisation.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Class tests, exams and assessment | 2 | 1.00 | 2.00 |
| Lecture | 66 | 1.00 | 66.00 |
| Tutorial | 22 | 1.00 | 22.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 16.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 94.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 90.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
Independent on-line learning using self-learning units and formative on-line tests (16 hr)Revision for in-class tests and final examination
Reading to support lecture material
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Performance and feedback from formative on-line tests (approximately fortnightly)Feedback on progress in the group project at three points throughout the year in approximately weeks 11, 15 and 21
Performance in the semester 1 and semester 2 in-class tests
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| In-course MCQ | 1hr on-line | 10.00 |
| Group Project | 6000 word group report | 30.00 |
| In-course MCQ | 1hr on-line | 10.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50.00 | |
An individual project will be available for students who are required to re-sit the group project which assesses the same learning outcomes but which will require an appropriately reduced time to complete. The August resit will be based on the standard exam at 70% and the group project at 30%. First attempt resits for the in-course MCQs are available in weeks 14 and 24 respectively.
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50.00 | |
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 websiteLast updated: 11/01/2019
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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