Chemistry: Scattering Methods for Soft Matters

This course provides an introduction to scattering techniques used to investigate the structural and dynamic properties of soft materials, including proteins, polymers, colloidal dispersions, and other biological or synthetic macromolecules. Students will gain an understanding of both static and dynamic scattering methods and learn how these techniques are applied in fundamental research and industrial settings.

The course covers the principles and applications of small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), neutron reflectometry (NR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS), as well as data analysis and interpretation. Through lectures, exercises, and laboratory work, students will learn how to design experiments, analyze scattering data, and extract information about structure and dynamics in soft matter systems.

A unique aspect of the course is its connection to large-scale research facilities. Students will gain insight into the use of advanced instrumentation at facilities such as MAX IV and the European Spallation Source (ESS), and will practice preparing beamtime proposals for experiments at these world-leading research infrastructures.

The course is offered both as part of a programme and as a standalone course.

Course syllabus

The syllabus contains the formal and legal details of the entire course. It’s a legal document outlining the course structure and requirements, intended mainly for administrative use.

The teaching includes lectures, exercises, computer laboratory sessions, and scattering laboratory sessions. Participation in exercises and laboratory sessions, along with associated components, is mandatory.

Assessment is conducted through a written exam at the end of the course and through laboratory work and associated mandatory components.

Lectures

We start by covering the basic theory of scattering, including how scattering occurs from a dispersion of spherical colloidal particles. Then, we go through different experimental methods, such as Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS), Small Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS), and static and dynamic light scattering. We use dispersions of spherical particles as model systems, but we will also discuss non-spherical particles.

Laboratory work and exercises

You will conduct computer laboratory sessions and exercises in data analysis and modelling of static scattering data. You will also perform scattering laboratory sessions and exercises with experiments on colloidal dispersions using SAXS and static and dynamic light scattering.

Entry requirements

To be admitted to the course, students must meet requirements for English proficiency equivalent to English 6/B from Swedish upper secondary school, and have passed 90 credits in natural science studies, including courses equivalent to: KEMA20 General Chemistry, 15 credits KEMA41 Organic Chemistry - Basic Course, 7.5 credits KEMA13 Biochemistry - Basic Course, 7.5 credits KEMB39 Physical Chemistry - Basic Course, 15 credits MATA03 Mathematics for Scientists 1, 15 credits The entry requirements are also met by students who have English proficiency equivalent to English 6/B from Swedish upper secondary school, and have passed courses equivalent to: 75 credits in physics 30 credits in mathematics Students who have obtained the equivalent knowledge by other means may also be admitted to the course.

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: ECTS (HPAV): 100 %.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 23,125
First payment: SEK 23,125

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.