Experimental Methods in Materials Science

Catalog description

This laboratory course introduces students to a variety of experimental methods used in materials science and engineering. Hands-on training will be provided for atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction and scattering, mechanical testing with image capture, and dynamic light scattering. Students will use numerous software packages for data collection and analysis, as well as being introduced to LabVIEW as a method for customizing experiments. In addition, students will see demonstrations of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and electron diffraction and analyze data from these methods. The format for the course will include a weekly lecture (1.5 hours), a weekly lab session (4 hours) and six assignments. Prerequisite: Permission of the Undergraduate Curriculum Chair and Instructor