IRMGR41518 Experimental Methods (Spring 2021)

The students will learn how to use two different experimental research techniques, and how to critically analyze and interpret the data obtained with these techniques. The experimental techniques should be relevant for the student's planned Master Thesis. The course is module-based, where each module teaches one experimental technique. The student should select two relevant modules for the course.

The course is research based, and each student should therefore conduct measurements that results in new knowledge of the measured systems. The students should preferably conduct measurements on samples that are relevant for their planned master project, e.g., a small pre-study. The project reports should include a discussion regarding analysis and interpretation of the data (including relevant references to scientific research literature), and a discussion of possible errors and artefacts of both the measurements and interpretations.

Available modules:

• Rheology - Viscoelastic properties of liquids and gels
• Dynamic light scattering and electrophoretic mobility - Determining hydrodynamic radius and zeta potentials
• Isothermal calorimetry - Heat flow rate of a sample due to chemical or physical changes in the sample
• Guarded hot plate system - Heat flux and heat conductivity of solids under the influence of various temperature changes.

Knowledge:

The student

• has advanced knowledge of two experimental methods within energy technology
• can analyze experimental limitations and possible artefacts.

Skills:

The student

• can utilize two experimental methods for research and development in an independent manner
• can critically analyze data obtained by two experimental research methods.

General competence:

The student can solve problems related to experimental work.

Two partial exams, each count as 50 % of the evaluation.

Partial exam 1:

Project report from chosen module number 1

Partial exam 2:

Project report from chosen module number 2

Both partial exam must be evaluated as passed to pass the course.

The students will receive one final grade for the course as a whole; grades on sub-evaluations will not be shown.

Grades from A to F, where A is the best grade, E is the lowest passed grade, and F is failed.

• Compendia covering theory on and experimental usage of Rheology, Dynamic light scattering and electrophoretic mobility, Isothermal calorimetry and Guarded hot plate system (by Anna-Lena Kjøniksen).
• Screencasts showing usage of the relevant instruments.