Physics: Physics and Chemistry of Surfaces

Surfaces play a key role in many scientific and technological fields. This course introduces the physics and chemistry of surfaces, with applications in catalysis, corrosion, electrochemistry and nanoscience. You will learn how surface structure and properties differ from those inside the material. The course covers adsorption, surface reactions and crystal growth. You will also explore how two-dimensional gas systems on surfaces differ from their three-dimensional counterparts.

A major part of the course focuses on experimental techniques for surface analysis. You will be introduced to methods such as scanning probe microscopy (STM, AFM), spectroscopy (AES, XPS) and diffraction (LEED, SXRD).

The course can be taken as part of a degree programme in physics or astrophysics, or as a stand-alone course. It is taught in English and is aimed at students with a Bachelor’s degree in physics who want to understand how surfaces affect material behaviour.

Teaching includes lectures, exercises and a group project. You will learn to interpret data from surface analysis techniques and use the correct terminology.

In the project, you will explore a chosen topic in surface physics or chemistry. The work is guided by a supervisor and based on literature studies. You will present your project both in writing and orally at a seminar. The course is problem-based and requires active participation.

Assessment includes a written exam and a project presentation. The exam tests your knowledge of surface structure, analysis methods and applications. The project is assessed based on your report, presentation and ability to connect theory with practice.

Prerequisites

Admission to the course requires 120 credits studies in natural sciences, of which 75 credits in physics and 45 credits in mathematics is included, alternatively a Bachelor degree in physics - in both cases including knowledge equivalent to FYSC23, Solid state physics, 7.5 credits, and English 6/B.

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 21,250
First payment: SEK 21,250

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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.