SYNCHROTRON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
PHY3SYN
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this subject, students will study the design, underlying physical principles, operation and applications of modern synchrotron light sources. Specifically, this subject will include an introduction to the production and properties of synchrotron light, storage ring systems found in modern synchrotron facilities, and the design and function of insertion devices, monochromators, X-ray optics and beam lines. A wide range of synchrotron-based experimental techniques and their applications will be explored including spectroscopy, microscopy and imaging techniques, diffraction and crystallography.
School: School of Molecular Sciences/LIMS
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Paul Pigram
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 3 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: PHY1SCA and PHY1SCB or equivalent or approval from the Department of Physics adviser of studies.
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: PHY2SYN, PHY5SYA
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Analyse, visualise and solve conceptual and mathematical problems related to synchrotron science and technology.
- Activities:
- Students are assigned a set of conceptual and mathematical problems to solve in the form of four assignments. Problem-solving techniques are modelled in lectures. Students work individually to prepare and submit complete solutions to meet deadlines occurring regularly throughout the course.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
02. Critically review and analyse research data in an ethical manner and interpret the results with reference to the scientific literature in order to develop appropriate conclusions and convey these in an appropriate manner in a written report.
- Activities:
- Students prepare an individual report in the style of a professional research journal article which accurately and ethically describes the experiment, its findings and draws appropriate conclusions. Students are provided with a template on which to base their report, along with graded examples of previous students' reports.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
03. Design and perform experiments using synchrotron techniques, equipment and software which produce conclusive and accurate results.
- Activities:
- Students conduct, in groups, two extended laboratory experiments of five hours duration each in close consultation with a staff demonstrator, who assists them in the design and conduct of the experiment.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
04. Collaborate, in groups, to complete laboratory experiments. Ethically distinguish between collaborative and individual work.
- Activities:
- Demonstrators assess the relative participation of each student in completing the experiment and in the preparation and execution of the laboratory assessment. It is repeatedly stressed via the course materials and orally that students in the group are expected to contribute equally to these activities.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Writing(Writing)
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
Melbourne, 2015, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Paul Pigram
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
Two 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Laboratory ClassWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-hour end-of-semester exam (short answer questions) | 40 | 01, 02 | |
| 3 x 1500-word assignments that could include mathematical solutions and written answers to questions | 30 | 01, 02 | |
| The equivalent of 2 x 2000-word laboratory reports | 30 | 03, 04 |