phy3spm scanning probe microscopy
SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPY
PHY3SPM
2016
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this subject, students will study the principle and practice of operating Scanning Probe Microscopes (SPMs), in particular atomic force microscopy (AFM) scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and the instrumentation and probes required to implement these techniques. The necessary supporting electronic, vacuum, magnetic, biological, chemical and cryogenic systems will be described and used. Students will also be introduced to the concepts and practice of nanolithography and electrochemical SPM.
SchoolSchool of Molecular Sciences/LIMS
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorDavid Hoxley
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites PHY1SCA and PHY1SCB or approval from the Department of Physics adviser of studies.
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects PHY2SPM, PHY5SPA
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Analyse, visualise and solve conceptual and mathematical problems related to scanning probe microscopy.
- Activities:
- Students are assigned a set of conceptual and mathematical problems to solve in the form of three assignments. Problem-solving techniques are modelled in lectures and partial solutions to selected problems derived in tutorials. Students work individually to prepare and submit complete solutions to meet deadlines occurring regularly throughout the course.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
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 individual reports in the style of a professional research journal article which accurately and ethically describes each 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)
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
03. Design and perform experiments using scanning probe microscopes and associated techniques, equipment and software which produce conclusive and accurate results.
- Activities:
- Students conduct, in pairs, three extended laboratory experiments of six 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:
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
04. Describe and explain, in appropriate written and verbal style, the findings from laboratory experiments performed by the student. Answer verbal queries about the findings as presented in the context of scanning probe microscopy.
- Activities:
- Students prepare and deliver a short individual oral presentation of a journal article selected from a provided list, in the style of a journal club. Students prepare and deliver, in pairs, an oral presentation describing an extended experiment (project) they wish to perform, including hypothesis, techniques, budget and risk assessment. Students prepare and deliver, in pairs, an oral presentation describing the findings of their project and avenues for further research on the topic. This occurs one week prior to submission of the written project report. Each oral assessment is of approximately 15 minutes duration and is presented to a peer group and laboratory demonstrator.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Writing(Writing)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
05. Collaborate, in pairs, to complete laboratory experiments and prepare and deliver the oral component of the laboratory assessment. 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 oral component 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:
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
Subject options
Select to view your study options…
Melbourne, 2016, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorDavid Hoxley
Class requirements
Laboratory ClassWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
Two 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 2-hour written end-of-semester exam (short answer questions) | 40 | 01, 02 | |
| Three x 15 minute oral presentations | 15 | 03, 04, 05 | |
| Three x 3-page written assignments on laboratory activities | 20 | 01, 02 | |
| Written project report (10 pages) | 25 | 03, 04, 05 |