MATSE 400 - Crystal Chemistry Sample Syllabus
This is a sample syllabus.
This sample syllabus is a representative example of the information and materials included in this course. Information about course assignments, materials, and dates listed here is subject to change at any time. Definitive course details and materials will be available in the official course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Overview
Crystal chemistry is concerned with the systematics of crystal structures as determined by ionic sizes and characteristics of chemical bonds and with changes in crystal structure with variations in temperature and pressure. This course is an introduction to the principles of crystal chemistry and its use in describing structure-property relations in solids. The principles that govern assembly of crystal and glass structures are described, models of many technologically important crystal structures are built, and the impact of structure on the fundamental mechanisms responsible for many physical properties are discussed.
Objectives
At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- To identify important raw materials and minerals as well as their names and chemical formulas.
- To describe the crystal structure of important materials and to be able to build their atomic models.
- To outline the systematics of crystal and glass chemistry.
- To explain how physical and chemical properties are related to crystal structure and microstructure.
- To discuss the engineering significance of these ideas and how they relate to industrial products: past, present, and future.
Required Materials
The materials listed here represent those that may be included in this course. Students will find a definitive list in the course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Required Textbook
Trolier-McKinstry and Newnham, Materials Engineering: Bonding, Structure, and Structure-Property Relationships, Cambridge University Press, New York, NY 2017. (ISBN 978-1107103788)
Required Model Building Sets
You are required to have a crystal structure model set in this course, you can borrow a model set from the EMS library prior to the first lab or order one online.
Prerequisites
MATSE 201, MATSE 202, MATH 220, MATH 231, MATH 251.
Expectations
We have worked hard to make this the most effective and convenient educational experience possible. How much and how well you learn is dependent on your attitude, diligence, and willingness to ask for clarifications or help when you need them. We are here to help you succeed. Please keep up with the class schedule and take advantage of opportunities to communicate with us and with your fellow students. You can expect to spend an average of 10 – 12 hours per week on class work.
Major Assignments
- 10 Homework/Problem Sets - 30%
The homework assignments are open-book. They are not a collaborative effort, you must work alone. - 14 Lab Quizzes - 6%
There will be one quiz each lab class. - 14 Lab Model Building Assignments - 14%
There will be one model-building assignment for each lab class. - 2 Midterm Exams - 30%
These midterm exams are challenging and are meant to assess how thoroughly you have learned the lesson material. - Final Exam - 20%
The final exam will be comprehensive. - Extra Credit - 20 points
I will offer an optional Homework/Problem Set toward the end of the semester that will count up to 20 extra points toward your final grade.
Course Schedule
Modules | Topic | Assignment |
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1 | Lecture topics
Lab Topics: Halite and Fluorite Structures |
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2 | Lecture topics
Lab Topics: Diamond, Zincblende and Wurtzite Structures |
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3 | Lecture topics
Lab Topics: Metal Structures: FCC, HCP, and BCC |
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4 | Lecture topics
Lab Topics: Molecular Crystals |
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5 | Lecture topics
Lab Topics: Polymer Structures |
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6 | Lecture topics
Lab Topics: Rutile, Graphite, and Boron Nitride Structures |
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7 | Lecture topics
Lab Topics: Brucite and Corundum Structures |
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8 | Lecture topics
Lab Topics: Classification of Silicate Structures |
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9 | Lecture topics
Lab Topics: Layer Silicates |
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10 | Lecture topics
Lab Topics: Silicate Phases and Stuffed Derivatives |
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11 | Lecture topics
Lab Topics: Feldspars and Beryl Structures |
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12 | Lecture topics
Lab Topics: Calcite and Perovskite Structures |
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13 | Lecture topics
Lab Topics: Spinel and Dislocations |
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14 | Lecture topics
Lab Topics: Lead Oxide, Borax, and Silicon Nitride Structures |
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Final Exam |