NKEK14009U Advanced Crystallography

Volume 2016/2017
Education

MSc Programme in Biochemistry

MSc Programme in Physics

Content

The aim of the course is to give the participants knowledge of applications of X-ray crystallography that reaches beyond standard structure determinations.

The focus will be on chemical crystallography, i.e. crystallography of small molecules and extended solids.

The participants will learn how crystallographic experiments can be used to understand the dynamics of crystals, to elucidate their electronic structure and to understand the behavior of materials under non-ambient conditions such as changes in temperature, pressure, or induced by light or magnetic fields, application of neutron and synchrotron sources and how crystallographic data can be employed in structure function correlation studies. 

The course will also provide hands-on experience using equipment and software for single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. 

The students will have a say on the coverage of the more specialized crystallographic topics, ensuring that the topics selected are connected to the research interests of the students. 

Learning Outcome

Competences

The student will be able to:

1. Validate and characterize the quality of crystallographic data and models.

2. Explain and model disorder and twinning in crystals.

3. Explain the principles of the most important crystallographic techniques to characterize the dynamics and electronic structure of crystals.

4. Explain the principles of techniques to perform crystallographic experiments at non-ambient conditions, e.g. changes in temperature, pressure, or induced by light or magnetic fields.

5. Apply crystallographic techniques and concepts to examine, assess and discuss the content of a research paper.

6. Present research papers, as stated in 5), in written as well as in oral form.

 

Skills

1. Validate and characterize the quality of crystallographic data and models.

2. Devise models for disorder and twinning in crystals.

3. Use structure visualization software to visualize and compare crystal structures.

4. Set up and perform experiments on a modern single-crystal diffractometer.

5. Use structural databases to perform structure-function correlation analyses.

 

Knowledge

The student will obtain knowledge of applications of X-ray crystallography that reaches beyond standard structure determinations.

The participants will learn how crystallographic experiments can be used to understand the dynamics of crystals, to elucidate their electronic structure and to understand the behavior of materials under non-ambient conditions such as changes in temperature, pressure, or induced by light or magnetic fields, application of neutron and synchrotron sources and how crystallographic data can be employed in structure function correlation studies

 

Selected papers and other course material will be announced on the course homepage.

Chemistry at the bachelor level and a basic knowledge of crystallography, corresponding to the introductory course 'Crystallography'.
Teacher-led study group / colloquia. Lectures and exercises.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Colloquia
  • 14
  • Lectures
  • 14
  • Practical exercises
  • 28
  • Preparation
  • 56
  • Project work
  • 80
  • Theory exercises
  • 14
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Preparation of a written assignment (essay) including an introduction, discussion and assessment of selected (2-3) research papers. The topics for the essay will be selected among those taught at the course. All aids can be used in the preparation of the essay.
Exam registration requirements

Active participation in theoretical and experimental teaching of the study group including oral presentations of selected crystallographic topics.

Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
passed/not passed
Censorship form
External censorship
Re-exam

Re-exam requires that the student has participated in the theoretical and experimental teaching of the study group including oral presentations of selected crystallographic topics. If the exam registratione requirements have not been flfilled students must retake the course.

Criteria for exam assesment

According to the learning outcome.