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.

Semester
1st semester
Enrollment based on exam contract
Impossible
Grading method
Grading (scale from 0 to 20)
Can retake in second session
Yes
Enrollment Requirements
Registration for Surface treatment: Processing and Analysis is allowed if one is registered for or has successfully accomplished Microstructural Design of Metals.
Taught in
English
Partnership Agreement
Under interuniversity agreement for degree program
Faculty
Faculteit Ingenieurswetenschappen
Department
Materials and Chemistry
External partners
Université libre de Bruxelles
Educational team
Iris De Graeve (course titular)
Tom Hauffman
Marie-Paule Delplancke
Activities and contact hours
24 contact hours Lecture
24 contact hours Seminar, Exercises or Practicals
Course Content

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.

Course material
Digital course material (Required) : Slides
Additional info

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.

 

Learning Outcomes

Algemene competenties

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 

Grading

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:

  • deel Tom Hauffman with a relative weight of 50 which comprises 30% of the final mark.
  • deel Iris De Graeve with a relative weight of 25 which comprises 15% of the final mark.
  • deel Marie-Paule Deplancke with a relative weight of 25 which comprises 15% of the final mark.

Within the PRAC Teamwork category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • deel groepswerk with a relative weight of 100 which comprises 40% of the final mark.

Additional info regarding evaluation

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.

Allowed unsatisfactory mark
The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.

Academic context

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