MAT2110   Structure of Solid Materials   (10 credits)

Description

Following on from MAT1610 this course introduces the topics of crystallography/solid state chemistry (Part A) and X-ray diffraction (Part B) on 2nd-year level of detail and complexity using international notations and classifications, e.g. concepts of unit cells, Bravais lattices, point groups and space groups. Part A: Symmetry of crystals and the relation to physical properties is the focus of this part, followed by selected mineral and alloy phases which will be used as examples to demonstrate the new concepts. Part B: Here the focus is on the practice and application of X-ray crystallography, particularly powder diffraction techniques, for the purpose of determining unknown crystal phases. The course aims to provide the necessary background to understand the crystal structure of materials, demonstrate the link between the symmetry of the crystal structure and crystal properties and show the application of X-ray methods to the determination of crystal structure.

Reading List