CHEM-E4205 - Crystallography Basics and Structural Characterization, Lecture, 1.3.2023-2.6.2023

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Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After the course the student will be able to

  1. use symmetry elements for the description of the symmetries of molecules and crystals
  2. determine the point group for a molecule
  3. read the space group symbols so as to understand the information provided by the symbol
  4. draw unit cells once the space group, lattice parameters, and atomic coordinates are known
  5. explain the diffraction phenomenon
  6. explain the steps in crystal structure determination and the principles of Rietveld refinement; evaluate the feasibility of a crystal structure model based on a bond valence sum (BVS) calculation
  7. explain the principles of the most important structural characterization techniques and understand and critically evaluate the information revealed by the techniques for inorganic materials
  8. select the most suitable technique(s) for each specific structure-related research problem, for both bulk and thin-film samples

Credits: 5

Schedule: 01.03.2023 - 02.06.2023

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Maarit Karppinen

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The course deals with structural characterization techniques of inorganic materials (both bulk and thin-film samples), and covers also the basics of crystallography. The emphases are on the various diffraction and spectroscopic methods used for phase identification, crystal structure determination and studies of chemical environment (coordination sphere and oxidation state).

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Lectures, homework and class-room problems, seminar presentation and final examination

Workload

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Lectures 24 h

    Exercises 12 h

    Seminars 10 h

    Home problem solving 20 h

    Independent homework 65 h

    Exam 4 h

DETAILS

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language : English

    Teaching Period : 2022-2023 Spring IV - V
    2023-2024 Spring IV - V

    A course implementation may be cancelled if the number of students enrolled to the course implementation does not meet the required minimum of five students. In the case of cancelled course implementations, the students enrolled to them must be provided with an alternative way of completing the course or be advised to take some other applicable course.

Rules of Conduct - Students´ Rights and Responsibilities (in force from 1 August 2020)

Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof