• Time: The schedule will be determined by the instructor of the course, based on the availability of the equipment.


• Location: Physics labs, including MC H206, MC H303, MC H305, and MC H307.

• What Brock calendar entry says:
  
  • Comprehensive exploration of experimental techniques widely employed in condense matter physics: SQUID magnetometry, X-ray scattering, electron mictroscopy, and low-temperature and high-pressure technology. Methodology presentations will be diverse, encompassing the process of experiment design using advanced equipment, along with meticulous assessment of outcomes from both statistical and procedural perspectives. The initial phase will involve a brief classroom-based introduction, succeeded by a sequence of personalized, succinct, hands-on modules, each concentrating on a particular technique.
  
  

• Prerequisite(s)
  • Students must have completed either PHYS 5P83 successfully or obtain the instructor's permission.
  
  

• What does student need to bring into the course?
  • PHYS 5P79 aims to provide graduate students with the essential skill set required for proficiently operating advanced measurement equipment. To excel in this course, students should come equipped with strong foundation in physics principles, a proactive approach to learning, and a willingness to engage in hands-on experimentation and critical analysis.
  
  

• Course Goals

  The primary objective of the course PHYS 5P79 is:

  • To empower graduate students with the theoretical knowledge and practical expertise essential for effectively utilizing and navigating advanced measurement equipment within the realm of physics.
  
  
  • By the end of this course, students should have developed a comprehensive understanding of various experimental techniques, enabling them to design, execute, and critically analyze experiments.
  
  

  Thereby, enhancing student's proficiency in the field of advanced measurement and instrumentation is the major goal of this course.

  
  

• Textbook

  Due to the diverse range of equipment employed in this course, each possessing distinct measurement capabilities, students occasionally require the assistance of equipment user manual whether necessary. Additionally, for the interpretation of their measurement data, students may find it necessary to consult various external resources. These resources encompass information about the magnetic, electric, and thermal properties of materials, as well as references related to morphology and compositional analysis. Consequently, the following compilation of references is deemed invaluable.

  • Any textbook encompassing magnetic properties of materials.
  
  
  • For comprehensive insights into the electric properties of materials, students can benefit from any online references or textbooks specializing in this field.
  
  
  • To gain through understanding of the thermal properties of materials, students are encouraged to explore any online references or textbooks dedicated to this subject.
  
  
  • In-depth studies on the surface properties of materials can be pursued through any avilable references that focus on this specific aspect.
  
  
  • It is important to note that user manuals are readily accessible for all the equipment employed in this course, ensuring that students have the neccessary guidance for their operation and utilization.
  
  

• Communication with the Instructor
  • your instructor operates with an open-door policy, allowing you to seek one-on-one assistance and ask questions at any time, except during restricted hours.

Note: To receive a grade in this course, it is mandatory to compelete all lab assignments and attend all lab sessions and cooperate well with your laboratory fellow.

This course includes the following seven graduate level experiments:

• X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)


• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).


• Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS).


• Magnetization measurement as a function of temperature and magnetic field using Quantum-Design Magnetic Properties Measurement System (MPMS).


• Atomic Force Microcopy (AFM)


• Heat Capacity measurement using Quantum-Design Physical Properties Measurement System (PPMS).

Following the conclusion of each characterization, students are expected to compose a laboratory report detailing the foundational principles, objectives, and procedural sequences of the experiment. Additionally, they are tasked with a comprehensive and precise interpretation of their findings, rooted in sound scientific evidence.

• The deadline for withdrawing from the course 5P79 (2024 Fall/Winter D03-S01) without academic penalty is March 6, 2025. For additional important dates, please refer to Dates by Academic Term.

Outlined below are the expectations and responsibilities we have for you.

• Students are required to attend all laboratory sessions and scheduled lecture according to Brock's Attendance Requirements


• All students must be familiar with and adhere to the rules outlined in Brock University's Academic Integrity Policy. Additionally, all graduate students must engage in their studies with the utmost integrity in accordance with Brock's Integrity Policy.


• Graduate students undertaking an experimental thesis project or other experimental Physics courses, are obligated to register for Health and Safety online Brightspace Training before attending to the 5P79 lab.


• All the lab reports must be written in LaTeX. Students can access to the Physics Template from here.


• Late lab report will Not be accepted.


• Students are responsible for their own learning. While the experiments are designed to guide and assist them, the real effort of mastering the course material lies with student themselves. To maximize their learning experience, it is crucial to dedicate time to update your knowledge with recent research achivements in your field. Consistent reading, studying, and working on their project, helps solidify student's learning into long-term memory. This ensures student to build upon their knowledge and skills in their future career.