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:
- Integrate at an advanced level the working principles of each characterization method.
- Critically analyse complex characterisation techniques to evaluate material science challenges.
- Communicate, verbally and in writing, specialised knowledge of the advantages and limitations of each characterisation method.
- 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.
- Demonstrate autonomous ability to critically analyse and evaluate complex chemical and structural information under various light excitation, and understand the mechanism underlying the property.
- Apply expert skills in advanced experimental techniques and specialist knowledge in materials science.
Other Information
A pass in the prescribed laboratory work is required in order to gain a pass in this course.
Indicative Assessment
- Laboratory / Workshop reports (50) [LO 1,2,4,5,6]
- Mid-semester exam (25) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Final exam (25) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses 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. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face components which may consist of 3 x 1-hour weekly lectures plus 10 x 3-hour workshops (dry lab/problem solving sessions), plus at least four tutorials throughout the semester.
- Approximately 60 hours of self directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
None
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4680 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
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.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3213 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | View |