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ESCI/MATS 5353 aims to familarize students with the physics behind and instrumentation of electron microprobe analysis and to train students to use the JEOL 8900 Electron Probe Microanalyzer. The course, however, is not simply about "button pushing" and "knob turning" -- the course is called Electron Microprobe Theory and Practice. Topics include beam generation, electron lenses, specimen preparation, electron-specimen interactions, X-ray generation, energy-dispersive and wavelength-dispersive spectrometry, matrix correction methods, and other relevant topics. We will also cover the history and development of electron microprobe analysis, engineering and design, applications in different fields, and philosophy of science as it relates to scientific instruments like the microprobe.
There are two components to this course: lectures and labs. All students attend both lectures and labs for 3 credits. The number of students in the course is limited to 12 (four students in each of three lab sections), so any students who intend to take the course are encouraged to register early.
This course is not an applied math course. Instead, the lectures and weekly readings are intended to develop a conceptual and semi-quantitative understanding of the principles and instrumentation of electron microprobe analysis. The aim is to use problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, not differential equations, when doing an analysis. Students will find that, in both lectures and readings, "descriptions" of relevant phenomena will involve actual descriptions as well as illustrations, not triple integrals. This does not mean we will not consider equations in this course; however, their relationships and practical implications will be stressed. This course emphasizes the concepts so, when one is interested in the mathematical details, one can have a firm foundation on which to build. The history and development of the electron microprobe analysis has practical consequences today, and the philosophy of science as it relates to scientific instruments is a subject too often overlooked in courses such as this one.
The only prerequisite is one year of physics and/or chemistry. This prerequisite can be only waived with the instructor's consent. Coursework in geology is helpful but not required. Individuals who intend to use the electron microprobe for their research are strongly encouraged to take the course.
Fall 2011 schedule
Lecture: Thursdays from 12:20 to 1:10
Lab Section 1: Thursdays from 8:00 to 9:45
Lab Section 2: Thursdays from 10:10 to 11:55
Lab Section 3: Thursdays from 1:40 to 3:25
Lab Room: 20A Pillsbury Hall
Classroom: 121 Pillsbury Hall
There is no actual textbook because no one book covers electron microprobe analysis at the correct level for the course. Instead, there is a course packet composed of chapters from a number of books as well as journal articles. The reading workload is between 25 and 50 pages each week.
There are no "problem sets" or weekly written assignments. Instead, students are responsible for reading the assigned chapters from the course packet. The weekly readings are between 25 and 50 pages. There will be a quiz at the start of lecture every week (unless there is already an exam scheduled) on the assigned readings. There are also two half-hour exams, a full-hour mid-semester exam, and a final exam. On exams and quizzes, students will answer essay and short-answer questions, label illustrations and charts, and use critical-thinking skills. Grad students are required to do three article critiques. All students take a lab practical exam during the last week of class. Students are individually given a specimen to characterize during a two-hour session using a strategy of their choosing and demonstrating skills learned in lab.
probelab@umn.edu
Phone: 612-624-7370
With respect to geoscience research, our electron microprobe is often used for igneous, metamorphic, and experimental petrology as well as mineral studies and geochronology. In addition to rocks and minerals, we have conducted analyses of metals and alloys, thin films, ceramics and composites, glass, optical fibers, teeth and bones, and many other natural and artificial materials.
We have experience analyzing various materials for industrial purposes, including:
Our clients have come from numerous industries and research fields, including: