SURFACE AND NANOMATERIAL CHARACTERISATION
PHY4SSC
2019
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this subject, the characterisation of solid material surfaces and surface layers, preparation of clean solid surfaces for analysis, thermal treatment, ion etching, and adsorption will be discussed. Characterisation and data analysis approaches including surface structural techniques, LEED (Low Energy Electron Diffraction), and SPM (Scanning Probe Microscopy), surface analytical techniques, XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy), SIMS (Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry), and AES (Auger Electron Spectroscopy), and related synchrotron techniques will be explored. Investigation and modelling of the electron and ion optical systems underlying selected techniques will be undertaken.
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 4 - UG/Hons/1st Yr PG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: Must be admitted in one of the following courses: SZHSMN, SMNT, PSMSC, SZHSN, SHS or approval of subject co-ordinator.
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Practical Surface Analysis: Auger and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (Volume 1) | Prescribed | Briggs, D., and Seah, M. P., 1990 | John Wiley and Sons |
| Readings | Modern techniques of surface science | Prescribed | Woodruff, D. P., and Delchar, T. A., 1988 | Cambridge University Press |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Critically review the published scientific literature regarding a given current topic in surface science. Convey the findings via a written report and an oral presentation. Answer spontaneous oral queries about the findings in the manner of an oral defence.
- Activities:
- Students are provided with a research problem related to the theory and/or application of surface characterisation. Students write a scientific report of approximately 1500 words in consultation with the supervisor. Students prepare and deliver an oral 15 min presentation summarising the key findings of their essay. They will answer questions about the essay in a professional manner. This presentation will be prepared in consultation with the supervisor and will draw on experience in speaking in previous undergraduate subjects.
02. Describe and explain, in appropriate written style, the operation and function of key surface science instrumentation and software.
- Activities:
- Theoretical and practical aspects of surface science methods and techniques are presented in lectures and laboratories enabling students to explain in detail the operation of surface science instrumentation. Computational skills related to surface analysis are developed during the laboratories. Students will write three practical laboratory reports.
03. Summarise, interpret and analyse data acquired during demonstrations of surface science laboratory experiments in order to demonstrate competence in data analysis and present the analyses in a written report.
- Activities:
- Advanced data analysis skills related to surface analysis are introduced and developed during the laboratory classes enabling students to competently analyse and interpret data. Students will submit three written practical laboratory reports.
Melbourne, 2019, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Paul Pigram
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Laboratory ClassWeek: 32 - 43
One 3.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 32 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three individual prac reports (1000 word equiv each) | 70 | 02, 03 | |
| One essay related to oral presentation (1500 word equiv.) | 15 | 01 | |
| One 10-minute oral presentation (1000 word equiv) | 15 | 01 |