The course provides the fundamentals of crystallography, symmetry, diffraction and defects in materials, and explores the relationship between crystal symmetry and the directional properties of materials. Topics in this course include crystal structure, point groups, crystallographic restriction theorem, symmetry operations, and the use of symmetry in the tensor representation of crystal properties; Bragg’s law, Fourier analysis, reciprocal lattice, Brillouin zones, diffraction conditions, Laue equations, x-ray, electron and neutron diffraction, and structure determination; point defects (lattice vacancies and colour centres), dislocations (Burger vectors, stress fields, grain boundaries, and dislocation density, multiplication and slip). The course will deepen the understanding on how the macroscopic behaviours of materials, including electronic, optical, magnetic and mechanical properties of materials, originate from fundamental crystallography, symmetry, and microstructure.

Continuous Assessment: 50%

Examination: 50%

Examination Duration: 2 hours