Handbook

In this course students will learn the principles and applications of the main methods employed in the characterisation of the composition and structure of materials including specimen preparation, crystallography and diffraction, optical microscopy, electron microscopy, spectroscopy, image analysis and microstructural quantification.  Laboratory classes in the course will equip students with basic practical skills in specimen preparation and operation of selected characterisation instruments and related software, as well as cultivate safe laboratory working practices.  This course is a Level 2 course and is core in the BE (Hons) (Materials Science and Engineering) program and in the Materials Science major of BSc and BAdvSc (Hons) programs, and is also suitable for science and engineering students who need a fundamental understanding and practical skills in the characterisation of materials.  The course is completed as weekly lectures, self-learning online activities, and in-person laboratory classes.