LEARNING OUTCOMES
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
Credits: 5
Schedule: 30.04.2025 - 06.06.2025
Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Ville Liljeström, Paavo Penttilä
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 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. 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, and practical aspects of scattering experiments.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
valid for whole curriculum period:
Active participation in teaching events
Group work
Learning diary
Project work
Pre-test
Workload
valid for whole curriculum period:
Lectures, seminars 30 h (15 h contact teaching)
Demonstrations 6 h (3 h contact teaching)
Group work/data analysis exercise 50 h (16 h contact teaching)
Other independent studying 40 h
DETAILS
Study Material
valid for whole curriculum period:
Students can use textbooks on X-ray scattering (1 primary book, 2 supplementary books) and other materials prepared or selected by the teacher (PowerPoints slides, videos, scientific articles, web resources).
- Basic X-Ray Scattering for Soft Matter. Wim H. de Jeu. Oxford University Press, 2016. (primary course book)
- Elements of Modern X-ray Physics. Jens Als-Nielsen, Des McMorrow. John Wiley Sons Inc, 2011, 2nd edition. (supplementary reading)
- Methods of X-ray and Neutron Scattering in Polymer Science. Ryong-Joon Roe. Oxford University Press Inc, 2000. (supplementary reading)
Substitutes for Courses
valid for whole curriculum period:
Prerequisites
valid for whole curriculum period:
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further Information
valid for whole curriculum period:
Teaching Language: English
Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring V
2025-2026 Spring VRegistration:
Max. 16 students. Students will be prioritized based on their answers to the enrolment questions in SISU. Doctoral students and advanced Master's students are prioritized over postdocs. 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.