Course Information

This class seeks to provide students with an understanding of the structure of solids, primarily as found in metals, alloys, and ceramics applied in technological applications. The structure of crystalline solids on the atomic level as well as the microstructural level will be discussed. Imperfections in the arrangements of atoms will be described, especially as regards their impact on properties. The study of structure through X-ray diffraction will be a recurring theme. A sequence of powder diffraction laboratory experiments (four to five class periods) also will be included.