Applications of X-ray and Neutron Scattering in Biology, Chemistry and Physics

Course content

With the upcoming facilities MAX-IV and ESS in Lund the overall goal of this course is to make students aware of the potential of these large-scale facilities on their own research. By following this course the students will:

  • be introduced to scattering methods, including diffraction, pair distribution function (PDF) analysis, small angle scattering, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (EXAFS), inelastic neutron scattering, including examples from biological and soft matter, materials chemistry and physics
  • develop an intuitive view of the application of these scattering methods to solve their own research questions
  • have access to hands-on exercise, including proposal writing, data analysis and presentation of data
  • participate on hands-on experiments at the DTU Imaging facility and at MAX-IV (the latter to be confirmed)
  • have a tour of MAX-IV facility in Lund, Sweden.
Learning outcome

Skills:

The student will develop a solid knowledge (i) of the basic concepts of scattering and (ii) of different experimental scattering methods and respective data analysis.

Knowledge:

  •  Be oriented on the basic physical principles for X-ray and neutron scattering
  •  Be oriented on basic experimental methods used at large scale facilities
  •  Understand elastic, inelastic, coherent and incoherent scattering processes
  •  Be oriented in how scattering techniques can be applied to soft materials and hard condensed matter

 

Competences:

  •  Be able to participate in experiments at large scale facilities
  •  Be able to perform simple data analysis on data from large scale facilities
  •  Be able to apply scattering techniques to own research
  •  Be able to write his/her own application for beam time for a large scale facility

 

Full days (8 hours incl. lunch) with alternating lectures and problem solving sessions. The course includes a trip to Lund to visit MAX-IV. If experiments take place at MAX-IV, there may be night work for some groups.

Lecture notes plus provided articles and book chapters.

Basic knowledge in solid-state physics and understanding of scattering techniques is advisable. If the student does not have such knowledge she/he should contact the course responsible asking for basic literature.

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.

1. Math exercises will be posted online one week before the course starts to allow the students to revise basic concepts. Basic math classes on fundamental concepts will also be offered during the first two days of the course.
2. Material describing basic concepts on Chemistry and Biology will also be posted before the course.
3. To facilitate full participation in the course, a short-bio describing the students’ scientific interests is highly recommended. This information should be posted during the week preceding the course start. An example will be posted in Absalon.
4. The course is run in collaboration between University of Copenhagen, Technical University of Denmark, Lund University and Roskilde University.

Individual

Feedback will be given during individual meetings, where the teacher responsible discusses in a one-to-one setting with the student. The goal is to adjust expectations to build confidence and inquisitive experience throughout the course.

ECTS
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment, two weeks
A final report, based either on experiments or a beam time proposal, must be written, and approved. The deadline for the submission of the assignment is to be agreed between the student and the course responsible, but should not exceed one week after the conclusion of the course.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
passed/not passed
Censorship form
No external censorship
Flere interne bedømmere
Criteria for exam assessment

See Learning Outcome

Single subject courses (day)

  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 50
  • Preparation
  • 50
  • Theory exercises
  • 26
  • Practical exercises
  • 20
  • E-Learning
  • 20
  • Exam
  • 40
  • English
  • 206