Physics: Modern Neutron Science

This course offers an introduction to modern neutron science, with a focus on neutron scattering and its applications in physics. You will learn how neutrons interact with materials, through nuclear and magnetic interactions, and how this allows us to investigate atomic and molecular structures.

The course also covers neutron generation, neutron optics, neutron detection and neutron instrumentation. You will gain knowledge of different types of neutron sources, the scattering formalism (elastic and inelastic), the principles of instrument design and data handling.

The course contains two coursework elements.  One is an individual project, where you write a beam time proposal, and then carry out mock reviews of the proposals. The second is a group project focused on designing a neutron instrument with a specific purpose in mind.

This course is ideal for students interested in all aspects of modern neutron science.  It can be taken as part of a master’s programme in physics or as a stand-alone course.

Teaching consists of lectures, problem-solving sessions and two projects, described above.  The beam time proposal is done in completed in the first half of the course, and in the second half, you complete the instrument design project.  You will prepare a group report to present your instrument. 

The assessment is based on a written exam, the individual project and the group project. To pass the course, you must pass all three components. The course is designed to give you both theoretical understanding and practical insight into how neutrons are used as a research tool.

Entry requirements

To be admitted to the course, students must have 90 credits in Physics and Mathematics, including knowledge corresponding to FYSN17 Quantum Mechanics, 7.5 credits.

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.