Credits: 5
Schedule: 20.04.2020 - 30.04.2020
Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):
Teachers: Paavo Penttilä (paavo.penttila@aalto.fi), Ville Liljeström
Details on the course content (applies in this implementation): The target of the course is to introduce the students to X-ray-based structural characterization methods (both in theory and in practice) and initiate the application of these methods in the students’ own research related to bio-based materials (such as wood, lignocelluloses, nanocelluloses, bio-based colloidal particles, bio-based soft matter nanoassemblies etc.).
The topics covered include:
- Generation of X-rays and their interaction with matter
- Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS)/X-ray diffraction (XRD)
- Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)
- Scattering data analysis related to bio-based materials
- Practical aspects of scattering experiments
After the course, the student can...
- describe qualitatively the basic idea of X-ray diffraction and scattering
- identify biomaterials-related problems that can be solved with X-ray scattering
- distinguish between small and wide-angle scattering and select one of them to obtain desired information from a biomaterial sample
- name X-ray techniques available at Aalto and describe the access procedures to synchrotrons, can recall how to find information on beamlines, techniques etc.
- recognize differences in the measurement and data analysis of different types of biomaterial samples
- participate in a scattering measurement and data analysis of a biomaterial sample, and present to others what was done
- plan a simple scattering measurement of a biomaterial sample and conduct it together with a more experienced user
- interpret in a simple way scattering data originating from a biomaterial sample
Elaboration of the evaluation criteria and methods, and acquainting students with the evaluation (applies in this implementation): Multiple assessment tools will be used in order to follow the students’ performance as well as to promote independent thinking and learning.
The course will be graded Pass/Fail, based on successful completion of the following tasks:
- Online test after independent reading task
- Questions/quizzes during lectures
- Participation in SAXS/WAXS demonstrations and the related group work (data analysis, presentation of results)
- Learning diary on demonstrations and group work
- Project work (planning of an X-ray scattering experiment, 2-3 pages)
Details on calculating the workload (applies in this implementation):
Activity (+ scheduled timing) | Time allocation (h) | Total (h) |
|---|---|---|
Reading task and pre-test (week 1) | 15+1 | 16 |
Lectures, with time to think (week 2) | 10 x2 | 20 |
Group demonstration (week 2) | 3 x3 | 9 |
Group work (data analysis in groups, preparation of presentation) (weeks | 12 x3 | 36 |
Presentation of group work results (week 3) | 6 x2 | 12 |
Learning diary (week 4) | 6 | 6 |
Project work (planning of experiment) (weeks 4-5) | 36 | 36 |
TOTAL (h) | 135 | |
Details on the course materials (applies in this implementation): Students can use textbooks on X-ray scattering (1 primary book, 2 supplementary books) as source information in the reading task and for the pre-test. Otherwise, material will be presented by the teacher (Powerpoint slides, accessible afterwards in MyCourses) or can be accessed online (webpages of synchrotrons etc.).
- Basic X-Ray Scattering for Soft Matter. Wim H. de Jeu. Oxford University Press, 2016. (Primary course book, e-book available at https://aalto.finna.fi/Record/alli.921414)
- Elements of Modern X-ray Physics. Jens Als-Nielsen, Des McMorrow. John Wiley Sons Inc, 2011, 2nd edition. (Supplementary reading, e-book available at https://aalto.finna.fi/Record/alli.616261)
- Methods of X-ray and Neutron Scattering in Polymer Science. Ryong-Joon Roe. Oxford University Press Inc, 2000. (Supplementary reading)
Additional information for the course (applies in this implementation):
Prerequisites
No specific previous courses are required from the students. Instead, the students are expected to be familiar with research questions and practical aspects of experimental research related to bio-based materials (such as wood, lignocelluloses, nanocelluloses, bio-based colloidal particles, bio-based soft matter nanoassemblies etc.). Ideally, they would already be involved in a research project that could benefit from the use of X-ray scattering. The students should have at least a basic understanding on the molecular and/or nanoscale structure of the particular bio-based material they are investigating.
Registration for course
Registration online at https://webropol.com/s/xraycourse by 13.3.2020. The number of students is limited to 15, the participants are chosen based on information given at registration and the order of registration. The accepted candidates will be informed at latest during week 12.
Details on the schedule (applies in this implementation):
| Date | Learning activity | Teacher | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14.4.-19.4.2020 | Reading task (independent studying) and pre-test in MyCourses | Paavo Penttilä | Pre-test (DL 19.4.) |
| 20.4.2020 | Lectures:
| Paavo Penttilä | Quizzes etc. during lectures |
| 21.4.2020 | Lectures:
| Paavo Penttilä, Ville Liljeström | Quizzes etc. during lectures |
| 22.4.-24.4.2020 (1 day per student) | Demonstrations and practical work with a SAXS/WAXS device (1 group per day) | Paavo Penttilä, Ville Liljeström | Learning diary (DL 10.5.) |
| 27.4.2020 | Group work (data analysis) | Paavo Penttilä | Learning diary (DL 10.5.) |
| 28.4.2020 | Group work (data analysis) | Paavo Penttilä | Learning diary (DL 10.5.) |
| 29.4.2020 | Presentation of group work results | Paavo Penttilä | Learning diary (DL 10.5.) |
| 30.4.-15.5.2020 | Project work (independent working): planning of an X-ray experiment, 2-3 pages | Paavo Penttilä | Project work (DL 15.5.) |
- Teacher: Ville Liljeström
- Teacher: Paavo Penttilä