Advanced Materials

About the course

Content
The course deals with advanced materials, including in the areas of renewable energy, biomimetics and optics, with a particular focus on nanomaterials and their applications. In the course, nanostructures are studied and compared in different materials (crystalline and amorphous), how they give rise to different properties (mechanical, optical, thermal, electrical, etc.) and how they are used in specific applications. Furthermore, methods for creating nanomaterials, especially materials that can be used in applications in optoelectronics and nanotechnology, are discussed. The course contains a review of the scientific and technological developments for advanced materials and their applications. Some examples of technologically advanced materials dealt with in the course are: polymers, metals, composite materials, semiconductors, carbon nanotubes, graphene, materials for use in organic solar cells and hydride solar cells, biomimetic adhesives and superhydrophobic and self-cleaning surfaces. The course includes problem solving sessions, homework assignments and group discussions.The course comprises a theory component of 4.5 credits, a laboratory component of 1 credits and a project element of 2 credits.

Expected study results
To fulfil the goals of knowledge and understanding, the student should be able to:

• describe in detail the structure and function of a number of established and new advanced materials with technological application
• provide in-depth explanations for, and critically discuss, existing and potential uses of advanced materials discussed during the course
• describe in detail how to design and manufacture new advanced nano-, composite, and biomaterials and what applications such materials offer.

In order to fulfil the goals for proficiency and ability, the student should be able to:

• communicate an independent project work in a focused specialised area and present the results obtained in both written and oral form
• using, based on current research and development work, relate, plan and evaluate own project work
• collaborate in group with other people in an advanced research laboratory.

In order to fulfil the goals for values and critical approach, the student should be able to:

• reflect on, and independently evaluate, their own efforts in laboratory work
• demonstrate the ability to relate to scientific aspects when presenting results.

Forms of instruction
The teaching is conducted in the form of lectures, calculations, assignments and supervision in project work and laboratory work.
Assignments, project work and laboratory exercises are compulsory elements of the course. In addition to scheduled activities, individual work with the course material is also required.

Examination
The examination of the course's theoretical aspects takes place individually in the form of:

1.      a written exam (70%)
2.      assessment of two assignments (20%)
3.      assessment of two problem solutions (10%)

For the theory part, one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with Merit (4), or Pass with Distinction (5), is given, where the examining elements have a percentage weight as stated in brackets. The grade is set only when all the exam parts of the theory are approved.

The examination of the course's laboratory parts is done in groups, with individual assessment, through written reports.
For the laboratory part, one of the grades Fail (U) or Pass (G) is set and it is set, only when all laboratory parts of the course are approved.

The examination of the course project elements is done individually in the form of:

1.    assessment of an oral presentation (60%)
2.    assessment of two written reports (40%)

For the course project project, one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with Merit (4), or Pass with Distinction (5), is set, where the examining elements have a percentage weight as stated in brackets. The grade is set only when all the exam parts of the project part are approved.

For the entire course, one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with Merit (4), or Pass with Distinction (5) is awarded. The grade is a summary assessment of the results of the various parts of the examination, with weight in proportion to the size of the course, and is set only when all the parts have been passed. Those who have passed an examination can not undergo a another examination for higher grades.

Literature
Materials science and engineering : SI version
Callister William D., Rethwisch David G.
9. ed. : New York : John Wiley : cop. 2015 : xxiii, 905 p. :
ISBN: 9781118319222