Module manager: Dr N Hondow
Email: n.hondow@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The objectives of this module are to provide students with:
- a sound understanding of the physical and chemical principles which underpin both the synthesis of materials and their characterisation;
- the knowledge to be able to select appropriate processing routes with a view to producing materials with a desired combination of properties;
- the ability to select an appropriate range of advanced materials characterisation techniques, and analyse the data generated by these, in order to determine whether a particular processing route has resulted in the desired materials composition and microstructure.
On completion of this module, students should:
- understand the thermodynamic, kinetic and morphological principles underpinning materials synthesis;
- be able to apply these principles in understanding the design and capabilities of materials processing techniques;
- be able to design an appropriate processing route to synthesize a material with a controlled microstructure to deliver the required properties;
- understand the principles, applications and limitations of advanced materials characterisation techniques;
- be able to select a range of advanced materials characterisation techniques, and analyse the data generated by these, to characterise (chemically and structurally) the product from a materials synthesis process.
- Synthesis via phase transformations;
- Elements of a phase transformation;
- Order of a phase transformation;
- Thermodynamics and kinetics of first and second order phase transformations, including interfaces and transport processes;
- Microstructural development during transformations from the vapour, liquid and solid states and during crystallisation from solution;
- Microstructural control in materials processing via phase transformations;
- Microscopy: principles and applications of light and electron microscopy techniques;
- X-ray diffraction and characterisation;
- Scanning probe techniques;
- Spectroscopy and surface analysis;
- Examples of contemporary research in materials synthesis and characterisation.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class tests, exams and assessment | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Tutorial | 20 | 2 | 40 |
| Independent online learning hours | 60 | ||
| Private study hours | 98 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 42 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Independent on-line learning using self-learning units and formative on-line tests (16 hr)
Revision for in-class tests and final examination
Reading to support lecture material
Performance and feedback from formative on-line tests.
Feedback on progress in the group project at three points throughout the year.
Performance in the semester 1 and semester 2 in-class tests.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| In-course Assessment | Online | 10 |
| Group Project | Group report | 30 |
| In-course Assessment | Online | 10 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50 | |
An individual project will be available for students who are required to re-sit the group project which assesses the same learning outcomes but which will require an appropriately reduced time to complete.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs Mins | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 29/04/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team