2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

CAPE5750M Materials Structures and Characterisation

15 creditsClass Size: 45

Module manager: Dr AJ Scott
Email: a.j.scott@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module provides fundamental knowledge of the crystallography required to describe materials structures together with a knowledge of key materials characterisation techniques.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- describe a range of typical crystal structures adopted by materials and understand the factors which determine the adoption of these structures;
- use crystallographic terms and methods to describe crystal structures and to predict diffraction data and materials properties;
- understand the principles, applications and limitations of advanced materials characterisation techniques;
- practically employ a range of advanced materials characterisation techniques and analyse the data generated by these.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. An understanding of the range of techniques available to investigate the morphology, structure and chemistry of materials and how these link into resultant materials properties.
2. An understanding of the theory and practical implementation and use of these characterisation techniques to solve specific technological problems.
3. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering.
4. Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.
5. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.

Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
a. Technical skills
b. Problem solving
c. Computational and analytical skills

Syllabus

- Basic geometrical crystallography; crystal structures and crystal systems; space lattices and symmetry; point groups and space groups; geometry of the reciprocal lattice.
- Use of molecular modelling software for the visualisation of crystal structures and for the calculation of diffraction data.
- X-ray characterisation: Bragg's Law; the Ewald sphere; coherent scattering of X-rays; X-ray diffraction techniques.
- Light microscopy: bright field, dark field, polarised light.
- Electron specimen interactions: ionisation and decay, production of X-rays, secondary and Auger electrons.
- Electron microscopy: SEM, TEM.
- Surface analysis.
- Thermal analysis.
- Infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR).

Methods of Assessment

We are currently refreshing our modules to make sure students have the best possible experience. Full assessment details for this module are not available before the start of the academic year, at which time details of the assessment(s) will be provided.

Assessment for this module will consist of;

Maximum 2 x Coursework

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
seminars	10	1.00	10.00
Practicals	5	2.00	10.00
Lecture	11	2.00	22.00
Private study hours			108.00
Total Contact hours			42.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Review of progress with extended assignment. Performance in tutorials and practicals.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 30/04/2024

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD