Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Materials Physics and Characterisation
Code PHYS387
Coordinator Prof CA Lucas
Physics
Clucas@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 7.5

Aims

• To teach the properties and methods of preparation of a range of materials of scientific and technological importance
• To develop an understanding of the experimental techniques of materials characterisation
• To introduce materials such as amorphous solids, liquid crystals and polymers and to develop an understanding of the relationship between structure and physical properties for such materials
• To illustrate the concepts and principles by reference to examples

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) An understanding of the atomic structure in crystalline and amorphous materials

(LO2) Knowledge of the methods used for preparing single crystals and amorphous materials

(LO3) Knowledge of the experimental techniques used in materials characterisation

(LO4) Knowledge of the physical properties of superconducting, liquid crystal and polymer materials

(LO5) An appreciation of the factors involved in the design of biomaterials

(S1) Problem solving skills

Syllabus
 

Fundamentals of Materials
• States of matter
• Bonding between atoms
• Energy band structures of solids

Crystalline, polycrystalline, and amorphous solids
• Bonding in crystals
• Crystal defects
• Amorphous solids
• Glasses and the glass transition
• The preparation of amorphous materials

Methods of material characterisation
• X-ray and electron diffraction: experimental methods and interpretation of data.
• X-ray absorption spectroscopy, EXAFS, synchrotron radiation methods.
• Transmission electron microscopy. Scanning probe microscopy.

Crystal growth
• Mechanisms of crystal growth
• Scanning probe microscopy studies of crystal growth
• Methods for growing single crystals

Liquid crystals
• Thermotropic mesophases, lyotropic mesophases
• x-ray diffraction from liquid crystals, cell membranes, liquid crystal displays

Polymers
• Molecular structures
• Amorphous and semi-crystalline polymers.
• Applications: plastics, elastomers, fibres

Biomaterials
• Surface properties
• Biological response and biocompatibility
• Degradation of implants in biological environments

Superconductors
• Type I superconductors: Meissner effect, London equation, BCS theory.
• Basics of Type II superconductors.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

16 x 1 hour lectures
2 x 1 hour tutorials

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 16

   2

       18
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 57
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
formal examination  1 1/2 hours    100       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.