G438/538 - Scanning Electron Microscopy in the Geo and Biosciences
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Instructor:
Dr. Rick Hugo - 503-725-3356 - hugo@pdx.edu |
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Course Syllabus
Lecture: Tuesdays, 2:00 - 3:50; Cramer Hall rm 69
Lab: Thursdays,
2:00 - 3:50; SB1 rm 15C - project labs may be extended if the
group's project proposal receives an "A" or "A-"
Course Description
The
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is a widely used
research tool for obtaining topographical and compositional information
about solid specimens. In this course students learn the basic
techniques for studying both organic and inorganic materials in the
SEM. Students in geology, biology, materials science, chemistry,
physics, and many other science fields will gain a practical
understanding of SEM techniques and limitations. This is a
research focused course based upon characterization of specimens
provided
either by by Dr. Hugo or a PSU faculty advisor. Students will each
choose one project to complete with a team of peers, and will submit
formal written and oral reports of their findings.
In
the first month of the course students will acquire
fundamental skills in SEM and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy
(EDS), and design strategies for addressing their research projects.
Tuesday class meetings will be devoted to SEM theory and project
discussions. Thursday lab time will focus on proper
microscope operation and optimal acquisition of image and spectral
data. Homework assignments will require students to analyze
images and spectra acquired during the Thursday labs. This
portion of the course will conclude with
the practical midterm exam, in students will identify the proper
microscope parameters for several different characterization tasks.
In the second portion of the course students will
implement their research strategies. Tuesday class meetings will
consist of research group discussions, while thursday lab time will be used to gather data. The final products will consist
of a research paper written in the style of a professional research
manuscript and an oral report given in the style of a professional
conference presentation.
Course Text - you have 2 options:
- Electron Microprobe Analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy in Geology - S.J.B. Reed. - 1st or 2nd ed. (2005, ISBN 0-521-84875-X)
- Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Microanalysis - Joseph Goldstein - any edition
Course Objectives
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Learn to
effectively operate
the SEM & EDS, and to correctly interpret images and X-ray
spectra.
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Gain experience
designing and
pursuing a research project.
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Survey relevant
literature
related to the research project.
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Present project results in a professional
format.
Grading
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Homework assignments
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G438: 5x10 = 50 pts
G538: 5x15 = 75 pts
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Score
(%)
93-100
90-93
87-90
83-87
80-83
77-80
73-77
70-73
67-70
63-67
60-63
< 60
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Grade
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F
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Midterm practical exam
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30 pts
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Research Proposal
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25 pts
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Final Oral Presentation
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30 pts
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Final Paper
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35 pts
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