| MSE511 Techniques for Studying Solids | MSE560 Thermodynamics of Materials |
| MSE 565 Crystallography and X-ray Diffraction | MSE 593 Frontiers in Materials Science |
MSE511 Techniques for Studying Solids
Course Description
This course surveys advanced techniques for characterizing inorganic solids. Topics
include X- ray/neutron scattering-based methods, synchrotron radiation, magnetism,
solid-state NMR, X- ray spectroscopy, electron microscopy, electrochemical techniques,
and thermal analysis.
Lectures are complemented by an instrumentation tour at the end of the semester. Evaluation will be based on a final exam, homework, case study, in-class quiz, and class participation.
Learning Objectives
(1) Understand the capabilities, principles and limitations of various techniques
for characterizing solids;
(2) Interpret experimental results;
(3) Identify appropriate method(s) to solve real-world problems.
MSE560 Thermodynamics of Materials
- Review of the Laws of Thermodynamics in Closed and Open Systems; Multiphase Systems; Phase Rule; Equilibrium and Stability
- Auxiliary Functions; Chemical Potential; Partial Molar Quantities; Homogeneous Functions, More on Equilibrium and Stability
- Statistical Thermodynamics: Microstates; Statistical Interpretation of Entropy; Boltzman’s Equation; Energy States; Partition Functions; Configurational and Thermal Entropy; Thermodynamic Functions
- Chemical Reaction
- Phase equilibrium in Single (Unary) Component Systems
- Phase Equilibrium in Multicomponent Systems
- Gases and Liquids; Fugacity; Activity
- Theory of Mixtures and Phase Transformations
- Phase Diagrams
- Thermodynamics of Interfaces
MSE 565 Crystallography and X-ray Diffraction
Topics covered:
· Basic crystallography of materials
· Point groups and space groups
· Symmetry and physical properties
· Atomic packing and structures
· Tensor properties of crystals*
· Glassy state
· Polycrystalline aggregates
· Grain boundaries and interfaces
· Textures
· Multiphase materials
· Reciprocal space and its application to structure analysis
· Basic diffraction theory and diffraction methods
· Crystal structure determination by powder and single crystal techniques
· Electron diffraction*
· Stereographic projection*
*If time allows
MSE 593 Frontiers in Materials Science
Summary: Seminars on current topics in materials science. Students attend presentations
in the participating departments and/or professional meetings, participate in discussions
and write reports. The MSE 593 course is designed to introduce students to cutting-edge
research in areas relevant to MSE through seminars to help students identify future
research activities. In typical years, this course may link with the MSE Physics and
Chemistry colloquia, where external speakers would present their results.
