Materials chemistry: From foundations to energy materials
Postgraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 10
- Teaching semesters Autumn, Spring
- Course code
- KJEM244
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- English.
- Resources
- Schedule
Course description
Objectives and Content
The course aims to introduce the students to solid state chemistry and the use of materials in energy-relevant applications. The course will introduce the student to synthesis, identification and characterization, properties, functionalization and use of solid materials, including micro- and mesoporous materials, and nanomaterials. Substantial knowledge about bulk materials will help to develop and understand the unique properties of related nanomaterials. The relevance of functional materials for advanced material science, catalysis, and adsorption/separation processes are presented, for example, in hydrogen production, solar cells, batteries and fuel cells, carbon capture and other sustainable separation processes.
The course includes practical laboratory exercises to introduce the student to synthesis and characterization of different types of materials.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
The student
- has broad knowledge about the preparation, structure, chemical and physical properties and use of solid state compounds and nanomaterials, including porous materials.
- has knowledge about how selected materials and nanomaterials are prepared in practice and how these are characterized.
Skills
The student
- is able to describe and compare different types and properties of solid materials and nanomaterials.
- is able to explain the synthesis of such compounds.
- is able to relate the structure of a compound to its properties.
- is able to discuss the benefit and use of bulk- and nanomaterials.
- is able to identify and describe methods for characterization of different types of materials.
- is able to perform simple experimental procedures in the laboratory.
- is able to interpret observations and results from measurements obtained as part of these experiments.
General competence
The student
- can convey the central content of the subject both in written and verbal form and by use of expressions characteristic for the subject (e.g. chemical equations and structure drawings).
- can work together in groups
- can perform practical tasks in a laboratory.
- can interpret chemical safety information and safely handle chemicals.
- can write reports.
- can identify and assimilate relevant knowledge from teaching material through lectures, group work and on their own.
ECTS Credits
Level of Study
Semester of Instruction
Place of Instruction
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
Access to the Course
Teaching and learning methods
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Attendance of mandatory lectures, laboratory exercises, and approved laboratory journals.
The mandatory activities are valid three (3) consecutive semesters after the approval.
Forms of Assessment
1) Laboratory journal (accounts for 30 % of the final grade)
The journal after each laboratory exercise is assessed on the basis of passed/failed. If the journal is not approved, it can be revised and submitted again for new assessment. The laboratory part of KJEM244 is assessed in the entirety of the laboratory journals and the laboratory skills in the practical execution of the exercises. Both elements are included in the assessment of the laboratory course based on the grading scale A-F.
2) Oral examination (accounts for 70 % of the final grade)
Supplementary exam regulations
1. The grade for approved laboratory journals is valid for the 3 consecutive semesters after the first approval semester.
2. In semester with regular teaching: Students with approved laboratory course from previously semesters can take the final exam that will be a part of the portfolio assessment along with the grade for the journals. The final exam accounts for 70% of the final grade.
3. In semesters without regular teaching:
a) Students with approved laboratory course from previous semester have only the opportunity to take the final exam. The grade from the final exam will be a part of the portfolio assessment along with the grade for the previously approved journals. The final exam accounts for 70% of the final grade.
b) Students without approved laboratory journal do not have the opportunity to take the exam.
Assesment of laboratory skills
- Being prepared for the practical exercise through knowledge of the necessary theoretical background and having performed tasks which were asked for in advance as a pre-requisite for implementation of the exercise (e.g. calculation of substance amounts).
- Demonstrating good understanding of the experimental procedure in practice and theory.
- Implementing the experimental procedure in a responsible fashion, e.g. as exemplified by conforming to safety standards for laboratory work.
- Obtaining the anticipated experimental result.