Course syllabus for Functional energy materials

The course syllabus contains changes
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Course syllabus adopted 2022-02-02 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameFunktionella material för energitillämpningar
  • CodeTIF351
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPPHS
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyEngineering Physics
  • DepartmentPHYSICS
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 85127
  • Block schedule
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0120 Oral examination 7.5 c
Grading: TH		 7.5 c

In programmes

Examiner

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Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

Fundamentals of solid state physics, solid state chemistry or materials science.

Aim

To get insight into how fundamental physical properties of materials enable functionality in modern energy technologies, such as batteries, solar cells, fuel cells, supercapacitors, catalysts, hydrogen storage, thermoelectrica etc. By applying knowledge on physical models of structure and processes in materials at different levels the student should be acquainted with rational development of new materials and technologies and connect to e.g. performance, lifetime, sustainability and environmental impact, and cost.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

  • account for the role of materials science for the development of sustainable energy technologies. 
  • give an overview of state-of-the-art functional materials in energy technology, such as solar cells, batteries, fuel cells, hydrogen storage, thermoelectric materials
  • explain how functionality is linked to materials composition, 
    structure and morphology, dimensionality/nanoscale 
  • assess new technologies and research results with respect to requirements on the materials' 
    properties as set by the demands of the final functional device, such as
    efficiency, weight, thermodynamic stability, lifetime and cost.
  • devise strategies for the development of new materials with better performance.

Content

Materials science is crucial for the development of new technologies. In this course the student will learn how materials development has laid the ground for modern energy technology and how it in the future can be a cornerstone in a sustainable energy system. Further, the course will give an overview of the opportunities and limitations of which specific material properties, and based on them functions, might contribute with to the future energy systems. 

 

Conceptually, the course is based on the relation between fundamental materials properties and the performance of a device. The course content covers a general introduction to the materials challenges related to the design and development of next-generation energy technologies, and an in-depth analysis of materials in batteries, solar cells, fuel cells, hydrogen storage, thermoelectric materials. 

Organisation

The course build on a series of lectures, a lab-exercise and a compulsory project work/case study. 

Literature

Lecture notes and chapters in e-books available through Chalmers library. 

Examination including compulsory elements

Examination includes an oral exam, examination of the project work by an oral presentation and a written project report, and a written report on the lab-exercise. Passed grade is required on both parts and the final course grade is weighted by 70 % on the written exam and 30 % on the project part.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.

The course syllabus contains changes

  • Changes to course rounds:
    • 2024-02-21: Block Block changed from D to D+ by Lina Haglund
      [Course round 1]