COURSE SUMMARY
This course is designed to provide a systematic and comprehensive understanding on various aspects of surface science and engineering. This seeks a control on atomic/molecular reconstruction at surfaces including surface morphology for tailoring wettability, corrosion, electrical and optical properties. The course also gives an idea behind surface treatment, both for surface protection and adding functionality by depositing additional layers. This is incredibly important in various technological applications in semiconductor industry to automotive engineering.
COURSE AIMS
The approach of surface science to interface science covers several areas of modern science and technology. They are the driving force for surface engineering, which is commonly used in agriculture to semiconductor technology including areas like catalysis, coating, (opto)electronics, drag delivery, etc. Most of the fundamental laws associated with them are based on some assumptions. Here we address some of them related to coatings, wetting, specular and diffuse reflectance, etc. Further, this course aims to highlight some experimental techniques to probe various types of structures and phenomena at surfaces and interfaces.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. understand basic physics principles at surfaces.
2. explain how surface science approach is linked with major interfaces like gas/liquid, liquid/liquid, solid/liquid, solid/gas, and solid/solid.
3. can correlate the surface science for explaining the natural phenomena
4. understand the logics behind surface engineering in many modern technology.
CURRICULUM CONTENT
(1) Introduction to surface science and engineering
(2) Reconstruction and adsorbate structure
(3) Surface functionalization & protection, catalysis
(4) Surface morphology and engineering, solid-liquid interaction, heterostructures
(5) Specular and diffuse reflectance, surface under extreme environment
(6) Experimental probes and techniques
9. TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGY
(Teaching methods and tools, use of LMS, software used or taught, external visits, workshops)
Teaching and Learning Strategy Description of Work Class Hours Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture In the classroom lecture, the natural phenomenon are to be explained with physical principles and model numerical examples. Some surface phenomena will be demonstrated for clarity. 40 hours 60 hours
ASSESSMENT STRATEGY
(Formative assessment and feedback to student, Summary assessment at the end of the course)
There will be two exams: mid-term of 40 marks (quiz) and end term of 60 marks. Questions will be the combination of objective, descriptive and solving of numerical problems
MAPPING OF LEARNING OUTCOMES TO ASSESSMENT STRATEGY
(For each learning outcome listed in Item 7, describe the formative and summative assessment strategy)
Assessment Scheme
Type of Assessment Description Percentage
Quiz Objectives, along with solving of numerical problems 40%
End-Term Exam Objective, descriptive questions along with solving of numerical problems 60%
Total 100%
12. BIBLIOGRAPHY
(Print and other media, Core and supplementary references)
1) Introduction to Surface and Thin Film Processes by J. A. Venables (Cambridge University Press)
2) The Materials Science of Thin Films by M. Ohring (Academic Press)
3) Materials Characterizations by Y. Leng (Wiley)
4) Class notes, videos, and slides provided by the course instructor