PHY3049 : Advanced Characterisation Methods
PHY3049 : Advanced Characterisation Methods
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Elisabetta Arca
- Lecturer: Dr Toby Hallam
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
This module is to develop an understanding of how properties of materials are measured experimentally. The course will help the students to contextualize concepts studied during previous solid-state physics modules in terms of their relevance to modern technologies and industrial settings.
Outline Of Syllabus
1 Vacuum Science
2 X-ray Spectroscopic methods: X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray Emission Spectroscopy (XES), X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS)
3 Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
4 Electron Microscopy techniques: Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM, TEM, EDS)
5 Clean room methods and device fabrication
6 Photonics methods
Practical session on one of the methods reported above
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
This course will help the student to understand how the concepts introduced during their physics degree, (such as band structure, doping, semiconducting behaviour) are measured. It will also enable the students to gain expertise in measurements techniques which are routinely used in R&D laboratories and industrial settings.
Intended Skill Outcomes
This course will allow the students to develop the ability to measure materials’ properties and rationalise their relevance in various fields of technology.
Students will develop skills across the cognitive domain (Bloom's taxonomy, 2001 revised edition): remember, understand, apply, analyse, evaluate and create.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 35 | 1:00 | 35:00 | Completion of in course assignment |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Formal lectures, tutorials and practical session |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 45 | 1:00 | 45:00 | Preparation time for lectures, background reading, coursework review |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The teaching methods are appropriate to allow students to develop a wide range of skills, from understanding basic concepts and facts to higher-order thinking.
Lectures are used to explain the theory behind the measurement process, illustrated with examples, and for giving general feedback on marked work. The practical session is designed to gain a hands-on understanding of the lectures’ materials and to guide the student to understand the complementarity and synergy between different techniques. The tutorials are designed to help the student develop transferable skills, particular in terms of written communication, and further their knowledge in the field of their choice.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | M | 80 | Individual students to write an essay on a technique of their choice with focus on its application in industrial settings. 3000 words |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 6 | Problem-solving exercises assessment |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 7 | Problem-solving exercises assessment |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 7 | Problem-solving exercises assessment |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The essay will enable the students to further develop their interests in a field of science, while gaining additional insights on the application of their studies in our society and economy. Due to completion in the second half of the semester.
The three assignments are small pieces of course work so that the students can engage with the different techniques presented and better their understanding of the subject-matter.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHY3049's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- PHY3049's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.
Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.