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 Surfaces and Interfaces
Code PHYS381
Coordinator Dr Y Grunder
Physics
Yvonne.Grunder@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Aims

To develop a syllabus to describe the properties of surfaces; to convey an understanding of the physical properties of surfaces; to provide knowledge  of a raneg of surface characterisation techniques; to illustrate surface processes and their relevance to technologies.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) To explain how the presence of the surface alters physical properties such as atomic an electronic structure.

(LO2) To choose the right characterisation technique to assess different surface properties.

(LO3) To have gained an  appreciation of surface processes and their relevance to the modification of surface properties.

(LO4) To be able to describe surface alterations and processes using the right terminology.

(S1) Problem solving/ critical thinking/ creativity analysing facts and situations and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate solutions.

(S2) Problem solving skills.


Syllabus

 

Introduction, concepts and applications. design of surface experiments, Ultra High Vacuum and alternatives, surface cleaning and preparation, surface structure, ideal surfaces: surface crystallography, wood’s notation, matrix notation, superlattice, surface reciprocal lattice, real surfaces: vicinal surfaces, reconstruction, relaxation, electronic structure of surfaces, free electron approximation for metals surfaces, surface dipole, electron spill-out and Smoluchowski effect, work function, band theory, surface states, surface characterisation, structural: real space (scanning probe microscopy) and reciprocal space (diffraction methods), spectroscopic techniques to characterise electronic surface structure, processes at surfaces, adsorption: physisorption, chemisorption, catalysis isotherms and chemical bond of adsorbates, surface diffusion, nucleation and growth.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description:
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description:
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided


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
Assessment 1 There is a resit opportunity. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :2  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.