FCK3109 Electron Microscopy Analysis of Fibre and Polymer-based Materials 7.5 credits
Course on analysis of fibre and polymer-based materials using different electron microscopy techniques. The course includes both basic principles, and hands-on experience. The goal is to attain sufficient knowledge of electron microscopy techniques in order to independently image and analyze polymer- and fiber-based materials on the nano scale. Opportunities and limitations of the different instruments are discussed.
Information for research students about course offerings
The course will be given VT2023
Contact the examiner / course coordinator for information.
Choose semester and course offering
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Application
For course offering
Autumn 2024 Start 2 Sept 2024 programme students
Application code
40027
Content and learning outcomes
Course disposition
The course comprises 24 hours of lectures, 20 h of laboratory work in front of different electron microscopy instruments, self-studies, one home assignment and a seminar where the student gives an oral presentation of the home assignment.
Course contents
The course presents the basic principles of different types of:
- Electron microscopy techniques: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), table top-SEM, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), cryo-SEM, cryo-TEM, focused ion beam (FIB), Dual Beam (SEM-FIB), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).
- More advanced analysis techniques (in situ analysis) and 3D tomography.
- Different types of sample preparation techniques for optimal analysis of a specific sample.
- Hands-on experience of electron microscopy imaging.
Intended learning outcomes
After completion of the course the doctoral student should have the knowledge and ability to
- Explain the basic principles for electron microscopy (scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy), and demonstrate for the level of the course adequate acquired knowledge in the specialized topics of the course.
- Suggest and explain, plan and carry out different types of electron microscopy related experiments.
- Suggest, plan and perform sample preparation of a material so that it can be imaged with electron microscopy. Reflect on the selected sample preparation technique.
- Present and orally motivate the selected electron microscopy instrumentation for a selected sample.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Eligible for studies at the third-cycle level.
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
Literature
Handouts.
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- LAB1 - Laboratory work, 4.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
- SEM1 - Seminars, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Approved oral presentation and written project description (home assignment), min. 80% seminar attendance
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.