Materials Science is a highly interdisciplinary field. Chemistry and structure underpin our understanding of the materials synthesis and chemical and physical properties. This course describes current state-of-the-art methods for determining chemical and structural motifs on multiple length scales.

The course covers the key principles of the characterisation techniques as well as equipment design and operation, sample preparation and data analysis. Techniques covered in the course may include:

• X-ray spectroscopies (e.g. XPS, XANES, EXAFS, XES)
•  Diffraction/scattering techniques (electron, synchrotron and neutron)
• Microscopy/imaging (TEM, SEM and AFM)
• Thermal analysis (e.g. ITC, TGA,DSC,DTA and TMA)
• Solid state NMR and EPR spectroscopy
• Optical characterisation (Raman, FTIR, fluorescence, luminescence, non-linear optics (SHG and Z-SCAN))
• Analytical methods : chromatography(LC, GC and IC), mass spectrometry (SIMS, ICP, INMS, LCMS), Ion beam analysis (Rutherford backscattering, Elastic Recoil Detection Analysis (ERDA) and Particle-induced X-ray emission (PIX)

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Integrate at an advanced level the working principles of each characterization method.
2. Critically analyse complex characterisation techniques to evaluate material science challenges.
3. Communicate, verbally and in writing, specialised knowledge of the advantages and limitations of each characterisation method.
4. Develop advanced and integrated strategies to critically analyse and synthesise datasets from multiple sources including spectroscopy, spectrometry, diffraction, imaging and mass spectrometry (MS), in order to deduce the 3D structure of materials.
5. Demonstrate autonomous ability to critically analyse and evaluate complex chemical and structural information under various light excitation, and understand the mechanism underlying the property.
6. Apply expert skills in advanced experimental techniques and specialist knowledge in materials science.

Research-Led Teaching

Chemistry is essentially an experimental science. The laboratory program consists of a variety of experimental exercises designed to:

Illustrate and develop competence in a range of chemical techniques and manipulative skills.

emphasise (particularly in first term) the importance of a quantitative analytical approach to chemical systems.

develop an awareness of the scope and limitation of experimental observation and accuracy.

illustrate chemical topics, principles and concepts.

Recommended Resources

Course Website – online resources

Login using your student ID and password at http://wattle.anu.edu.au to find the course website for CHEM8030. You will be automatically added to this website the evening after you have enrolled in the courses via ISIS. If you cannot see the online site/s, please contact the Undergraduate Chemistry Administrator (rsc.teaching@anu.edu.au). Course websites may contain lecture material, extra resources, self-test questions and discussion board postings. Please check these sites at least once a week for important notices.

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction

two-way video conferencing for interactive learning

email and other messaging tools for communication

interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities

print and photo/scan for handwritten work

home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.

Webcam

Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)

Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.

Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.

Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• laboratory reports
• worksheets
• oral presentation performance

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Summary of penalties for exceeding word limits. Some assessed items in this class may have a maximum word limit. If submissions exceed these maximum lengths then the following penalties will apply: (a) 5% penalty if word limit exceeded by up to 5%; (b) 10% penalty if word limit exceeded by between 5% and 10%; (c) 10% penalty if word limit exceeded by >10%, and material beyond the 10% word limit will not be marked. 

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	3 lectures - Humphrey	Exam in week 4
2	3 lectures and 1 lab/workshop - Humphrey	Worksheet – data workup, analysis, and interpretation, Exam in week 4
3	3 lectures and 1 lab/workshop - Humphrey	Worksheet – data workup, analysis, and interpretation, Exam in week 4
4	3 lectures and 1 lab/workshop -Rodger
5	3 lectures and 1 lab/workshop -Rodger
6	3 lectures and 1 lab/workshop -Rodger
7	3 lectures and 1 lab - Liu	Report, Exam in week 10
8	3 lectures and 1 lab/workshop - Liu	Report, Exam in week 10
9	2 lectures and 1 tutorial - Liu	Exam in week 10
10	3 lectures - Chilton	Exam in end-of-semester exam period
11	3 lectures and 1 lab/workshop - Chilton	Report, Exam in end-of-semester exam period
12	3 lectures - Chilton	Exam in end-of-semester exam period

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
1. Optical methods laboratory experience	13 %	1,3,5,6
2. Optical methods exam	13 %	1,2,3,4,6
3. Spectroscopy exam	13 %	1,2,3,5,6
4. Spectroscopy laboratory	13 %	1,2,3,4,5
5. Microscopy exam	13 %	1,2,4,5,6
6. Microscopy laboratory/workshops	13 %	1,2,3,4,6
7. Molecular magnetism exam	15 %	1,2,4,5,6
8. Molecular magnetism lab experience	10 %	1,2,5,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

A pass in the laboratory and workshop components of this course is required in order to gain a pass in CHEM8030. To pass the laboratory and workshops, you must complete all sessions and submit reasonable attempts of all reports and assignments.

Examination(s)

The lecture content in weeks 1-3 (Prof. Humphrey's content), weeks 4-6 (Prof. Rodger's content), weeks 7-9 (Prof. Liu's content), and weeks 10-12 (Prof. Chilton's content) will be examined by 1.5 h exams in weeks 4, 7 and 10, and the end-of-semester exam period, respectively.

Assessment Task 1

1. Optical methods laboratory experience

Experimental data to be worked up/analyzed/interpreted. Worksheets to be completed.

Assessment Task 2

2. Optical methods exam

1.5 hour exam in week 4 assessing the lecture material in weeks 1-3 (Prof. Humphrey course content).

Assessment Task 3

3. Spectroscopy exam

1.5 hour exam in week 7 assessing the lecture material in weeks 4-6 (Prof. Rodger course content).

Assessment Task 4

4. Spectroscopy laboratory

Report on lab experience

Assessment Task 5

5. Microscopy exam

1.5 hour exam in week 10 assessing the lecture material in weeks 7-9 (Prof. Liu course content).

Assessment Task 6

6. Microscopy laboratory/workshops

Report on lab experience

Assessment Task 7

7. Molecular magnetism exam

1.5 hour exam in end-of-semester exam period assessing the lecture material in weeks 10-12 (Prof. Chilton course content).

Assessment Task 8

8. Molecular magnetism lab experience

Experimental data to be worked up/analyzed/interpreted. Worksheets to be completed.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalized at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Marked laboratory reports/workshop sheets will be available via Wattle ca. two weeks after submission.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

If the submission of a lab report is deemed unsatisfactory by the Course Convenor (on advice from the laboratory demonstrator), you may be asked to resubmit the report.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students