4 ECTS credits
110 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4016477ENR for all students in the 1st semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.
There are two parts in the lecture sessions: surface analysis methods by Prof. Tom Hauffman, and Surface treatments by Prof. Iris De Graeve and Prof. Marie-Paule Delplancke.
In the surface analysis part the interaction between primary excitation beams (photon, electron, ion) and the material is considered and many state-of-the-art surface analysis techniques are described and illustrated. In addition the principle of local probe methods such as Atomic Force Microscopy is explained. During the practical part of this course the students become more familiar with some of these methods.
In the part about surface treatments it is explained to the student how specific surface properties can be obtained. Surface processing can involve processes in which only the surface morphology (polishing, graining) is changed as well as (electro)chemical processes, converting / covering the surface into / with a different chemical layer which can be inorganic, organic, metallic or have a hybrid chemistry. The mechanisms of these processes are discussed in detail, and many processes are illustrated based on real case studies form industrial research. Also some processes are discussed in detail in relation to the reactor used.
In the practical part of this course a research project is defined. The students work in groups of about 4 students on a topic in a real ongoing research project. The groups are supervised by the PhD or postdoc researchers. The research is presented in a journal paper.
Slides are used during the lectures and uploaded on the learning platform, and research papers and scientific text books are additionally listed for extended background reading.
In the formation of the BRUFACE Master of Sciences in Chemical and Materials Engineering this course can be considered as a class where the student is using the knowledge of other courses about metals, polymers, ceramics and composites, physics, chemistry, reactor technology, nano technology but this time focused on surface technology. The student has to consider also environmental issues of the selected surface processing. Furthermore, many case studies from industrial research projects are discussed, giving the student a flavor of combined academic - industrial R&D. In the part about surface analysis the student also learns about reliable quantification of obtained data. The course is followed by students of different native tongue (VUB, ULB and many international students following the BRUFACE program) and is given in English. As such, it contributes to the development of the communication and language skills of the students. Also these students need to work together as a team for the practical project, aiming at enhancing their social and team skills, as well as skills in research planning and research ability that allows the research questions to be addressed in an efficient way considering the limits of time and availability of research equipment.
This course contributes to the following learning outcomes:
This course contributes to reaching the following learning objectives.
The Master of Sciences in Chemical and Materials Engineering has in-depth knowledge and understanding of
MA_1 exact sciences with the specificity of their application to engineering
MA_17 an integrated insight in chemical process and materials' technology
MA_18 insight in chemistry as a link between process and materials technology
The Master of Sciences in Chemical and Materials Engineering can
MA_6 correctly report on research or design results in the form of a technical report or in the form of a scientific paper
MA_7 present and defend results in a scientifically sound way, using contemporary communication tools, for a national as well as for an international professional or lay audience
MA_8 collaborate in a (multidisciplinary) team
The Master of Sciences in Chemical and Materials Engineering has
MA_12 a creative, problem-solving, result-driven and evidence-based attitude, aiming at innovation and applicability in industry and society
MA_15 the flexibility and adaptability to work in an international and/or intercultural context
MA_16 an attitude of life-long learning as needed for the future development of his/her career
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 60% of the final mark.
PRAC Teamwork determines 40% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the PRAC Teamwork category, the following assignments need to be completed:
The final score of the course consists of the exam score for 60 % and the practical work score for 40 %. The oral exam with the three professors (exam score counts for 60 % of the final score; the exam score is the average of the three scores with the three professors, taking a minimum score of 7/20 on all three parts into account) and a group work, that receives a combined score (accounting for 40 % of the final score) based on the individual student contributions and the group score for the paper.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Chemical and Materials Engineering: Profile Process Technology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Chemical and Materials Engineering: PR Profile Materials (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Biomedical Engineering: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Biomedical Engineering: Startplan
Master of Biomedical Engineering: Profile Radiation Physics
Master of Biomedical Engineering: Profile Biomechanics and Biomaterials
Master of Biomedical Engineering: Profile Sensors and Medical Devices
Master of Biomedical Engineering: Profile Neuro-Engineering
Master of Biomedical Engineering: Standaard traject (NIEUW)
Master of Chemical and Materials Engineering: Profile Materials
Master of Chemical and Materials Engineering: Profile Process Technology