Physical Methods in Structural Chemistry

The course gives an introduction to methods used for characterizing solids in modern research. The methods that will be addressed are: Temperature programmed techniques, electron- and ion spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, x-ray absorption spectroscopy, electron microscopy and vibrational spectrocopy. Examples of applications will be collected from recent scientific literature.

When having completed the course the student should be able to: Understand the relevant chemical and physical principles of selected methods that are utilized in studies of solids. Account for the application areas, strengths and weaknesses for the different methods. Communicate orally and written insights from scientific literature for the different methods. Appraise the relevance of the different methods in modern research related to energy and environmental issues.

4 hours of lectures and 2 hours of problem solving pr. week. Written examination (4 hours). For extraordinary or re-sit examinations, written examination may be changed to oral examination.