This course is designed to develop an understanding of the structure and functionality of materials.  Topics to be covered include solid state, sol-gel and thin film synthesis, crystal chemistry, crystallography, ceramic processing and the relation between structure and function. The properties of some technologically important functional materials will be highlighted as part of this course.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Describe basic crystallographic and crystal chemical concepts such as unit cells, Bravais lattices, fractional co-ordinates, Miller indices, close packing, phase diagrams etc. as well as how to describe simple inorganic crystal structure types
2. Describe concepts such as real and reciprocal space and how structure factor calculations and diffraction techniques can be used to determine atomic arrangements in crystals
3. Explain how to synthesize crystalline materials via solid state reaction as well as the reaction dynamics of sol-gel and hydrothermal reaction processes and how to use such procedures to synthesize functional nanomaterials and thin films
4. Explain the physical properties of a range of functional materials including conductors, semi-conductors, insulators; dielectric, ferroelectric, piezoelectric, pyroelectric, electro-optic materials etc

Assessment will be based on:

• Mid-semester exam (50%; LO 1,2)
• Final exam (50%; LO 3,4)

32 hours of lectures and tutorials, and a further 32 hours of independent learning.