MTE4598 · Electron microscopy

Overview

This unit will reveal how electron microscopy can be used to determine the structure and chemistry of a material from the micron to the atomic scale. It will cover methods for the determination of atomic structure, chemical composition and bonding, 3D structures, surface morphology and topography, orientation-relationships and electronic and magnetic structures. These methods will be illustrated with applications, for example, to nanomaterials, alloys, ceramics, catalysts, polymers and electronic materials. The course will cover the theory, methodology and application of both scanning and transmission electron microscopy and will incorporate practical sessions in front of electron microscopes.

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Continuous assessment: 60% Final assessment: 40% This unit contains a hurdle requirement that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Have a thorough understanding of the methods, capabilities and applications of electron microscopy for the characterization of advanced materials.
2. Understand the principles and theory of electron microscopy and be able to understand and interpret elementary electron micrographs and spectroscopy data to reveal the structure of a material.
3. Be able to recognize and identify the most appropriate electron microscopy method to characterize different types of materials and materials features.
4. Be familiar with advanced techniques and the information that can be provided about materials such as nanomaterials, nanocomposites, alloys, ceramics, catalysts, polymers, glasses and electronic materials.
5. Should have improved skills in team work, understanding the literature, completing tasks as part of a team, and also obtain improved oral and written communication skills.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.