Transmission electron microscopy for materials science from Coursera

Learn about the fundamentals of transmission electron microscopy in materials sciences: you will be able to understand papers where TEM has been used and have the necessary theoretical basis for taking a practical training on the TEM.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in the field of materials science. For an instrument operated by a single user, modern TEM provides an analytical platform with unsurpassed versatility, giving access to structural and chemical information from the micrometer to the sub-angstrom scale. In a thin, electron-transparent sample one can measure the crystallinity, grain structure, size, and defects, and the chemical composition. The crystal lattice can be imaged with atomic resolution, allowing observation of grain boundaries and interfaces. It is the only direct structural analysis method for studying nanoparticles.

With this course you will gain a deep understanding of modern TEM and the connection between:

- the optics and operation of the instrument;

- the physics of electron-matter interactions;

- insights into the materials properties of the sample.

This gives the background to:

- identify TEM techniques suitable to solving specific scientific problems;

- interpret TEM data presented in articles; appreciate the impact of technological advances that have, for instance, led to sub-angstrom resolution by aberration correction.

It can also be the basis for subsequent practical training on this remarkable instrument, and a stepping stone towards learning very advanced techniques with magical names like “dark field holography” or “angular resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy”.

Recommended background:

Basics of crystallography and diffraction, college optics (construction of ray diagrams) are absolutely mandatory prerequisites; Fourier optics, more advanced crystallography and solid state physics are of great advantage.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

This week will be devoted to an introduction to the instrument, with some historical notes, as well as a review of the building blocks of a transmission electron microscope. In a second part, we will review the main lens aberrations relevant in transmission electron microscopy.

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Develops core fundamentals of transmission electron microscopy in the field of material science

Explores the connection between optics, electron-matter interactions, and materials properties of samples

Provides a foundation for identifying suitable TEM techniques for specific scientific problems

Helps learners interpret electron microscopy data commonly found in research articles

Serves as a stepping stone for advanced TEM techniques

Requires background knowledge in crystallography, diffraction, and basic optics

Reviews summary

Fundamental tem for materials science

According to learners, this course offers a strong theoretical foundation in Transmission Electron Microscopy essential for materials science. Students appreciate the detailed explanations of complex concepts like diffraction, optics, and phase contrast, finding it provides an excellent basis for interpreting research papers. While the course is highly technical and moves at a fast pace, often described as challenging, especially without the required prerequisites in crystallography and optics, those with the necessary background find it very valuable. Some suggest that incorporating more practical examples or demonstrations could further enhance the learning experience, but overall, it is considered a solid introduction.

Excellent preparation for reading TEM papers.

"Great for interpreting TEM data presented in research articles."

"I now understand how to analyze results presented in scientific papers."

"Provides the necessary background to appreciate advanced TEM techniques."

"Helped me connect theoretical concepts to practical data interpretation."

Instructor is very knowledgeable and clear.

"The professor is clearly an expert in the field."

"Explanations were precise and accurate, even for difficult topics."

"Complex subjects were broken down into understandable parts."

"The instructor's passion for the subject is evident."

Provides a solid foundation in TEM theory.

"The lectures provide a strong theoretical basis for understanding TEM fundamentals."

"Helped me grasp complex diffraction concepts and reciprocal lattice space."

"Detailed explanations of electron-matter interactions were incredibly helpful."

"I gained a deep understanding of the optics and operation principles."

Very theoretical; could use more case studies.

"Wish there were more practical examples applying the theory to materials."

"It's very theoretical, could benefit from virtual labs or more demonstrations."

"More real-world case studies would make the concepts easier to visualize."

"Lacks a hands-on feel, focusing purely on the underlying physics and optics."

Requires strong background; can be challenging.

"Solid background in crystallography and optics is definitely mandatory."

"The course is challenging, but rewarding if you have the prerequisites."

"The pace is quite fast, especially in later modules, requiring focused study."

"Difficult to follow without a good grasp of Fourier optics beforehand."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Transmission electron microscopy for materials science with these activities:

Explore the Coursera website

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Become familiar with the online learning platform by exploring the Coursera website. It will help you make the most of the course.

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Navigate to the Coursera website.
Explore the different sections of the website, such as the course catalog and the forums.
熟悉网站的基本功能，例如如何注册课程和访问学习材料。

Review basic physics and math

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Ensure a solid foundation by reviewing basic physics and math concepts before the course begins.

Browse courses on Physics

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Review your notes from previous physics and math courses.
Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding.
Identify areas where you need additional support and seek help from online resources, textbooks, or a tutor.

Read 'Introduction to Electron Microscopy'

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Begin preparation for the course with this seminal work on electron microscopy. Reading it will contribute to a strong foundation for this course.

View Transmission Electron Microscopy: A Textbook... on Amazon

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Read the preface by David B. Williams and C. Barry Carter.
Read the remaining chapters.
Consider reading supplementary material such as journal articles to expand on the book's contents. Note that such additional reading is not required, but it is highly recommended.

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Organize your notes and materials

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Stay organized throughout the course by keeping your notes, assignments, and other materials in one place.

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Create a designated folder or notebook for the course.
File your notes, assignments, and other materials in the designated folder or notebook.
Review your organized materials regularly to reinforce your learning.

Create a glossary of terms

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Develop a deep understanding of the terminology used in the course by building your own glossary. Refer to it as you progress through the course to strengthen your understanding.

Browse courses on Electron Microscopy

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Review course materials to identify key terms.
Define each term in your own words.
Organize the terms by category if desired.

Attend online meetups

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Connect with other learners and professionals in the field by attending online meetups.

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Identify relevant online meetups.
Register for the meetups.
Attend the meetups and actively participate in discussions.

Solve practice problems

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Deepen your understanding of the course concepts by solving practice problems.

Browse courses on Electron Microscopy

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Identify practice problems from the course materials or other sources.
Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
Check your solutions against the provided answer key or consult with the instructor for feedback.

Participate in a TEM workshop

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Gain hands-on experience with TEM techniques by participating in a workshop. It can deepen your understanding and solidify your skills.

Browse courses on Electron Microscopy

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Identify relevant TEM workshops.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the activities.

Contribute to open-source TEM software

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Gain practical experience and deepen your understanding of TEM by contributing to open-source software projects in the field.

Browse courses on Electron Microscopy

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Identify relevant open-source TEM software projects.
Familiarize yourself with the project's codebase and documentation.
Identify a bug or feature that you can contribute to.

Career center

Learners who complete Transmission electron microscopy for materials science will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Electron Microscopist

An Electron Microscopist uses electron microscopes to study the structure of materials at the atomic level. This course may be useful to you since it will teach you the fundamentals of transmission electron microscopy in materials sciences, and you will be able to understand papers where TEM has been used and have the necessary theoretical basis for taking a practical training on the TEM.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electron Microscopist

Professor

A Professor teaches and conducts research at a college or university. This course may be useful to you since it will help you gain a deep understanding of modern TEM and the connection between the optics and operation of the instrument, the physics of electron-matter interactions, and insights into the materials properties of the sample.

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Research Scientist

A Research Scientist conducts scientific research, typically in a laboratory setting. This course may be useful to you since it will help you gain a deep understanding of modern TEM and the connection between the optics and operation of the instrument, the physics of electron-matter interactions, and insights into the materials properties of the sample.

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Research Associate

A Research Associate conducts scientific research under the supervision of a senior scientist. This course may be useful to you since it will help you gain a deep understanding of modern TEM and the connection between the optics and operation of the instrument, the physics of electron-matter interactions, and insights into the materials properties of the sample.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Associate

Quality Control Inspector

A Quality Control Inspector ensures that products meet quality standards. This course may be useful to you since it will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in the field of materials science.

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Quality Assurance Manager

A Quality Assurance Manager develops and implements quality assurance programs. This course may be useful to you since it will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in the field of materials science.

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Technical Sales Representative

A Technical Sales Representative sells technical products and services. This course may be useful to you since it will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in the field of materials science.

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Product Development Manager

A Product Development Manager oversees the development of new products. This course may be useful to you since it will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in the field of materials science.

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Microscopy Technician

A Microscopy Technician operates and maintains microscopes. This course may be useful to you since it will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in the field of materials science.

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Materials Engineer

A Materials Engineer develops and tests materials to meet specific engineering requirements. This course may be useful to you since it will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in the field of materials science.

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Laboratory Manager

A Laboratory Manager oversees the operations of a laboratory. This course may be useful to you since it will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in the field of materials science.

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Materials Scientist

A Materials Scientist researches, develops, and tests new materials, working to improve their properties and performance. This course may be useful to you since it will give you a deep understanding of modern TEM and the connection between the optics and operation of the instrument, the physics of electron-matter interactions, and insights into the materials properties of the sample.

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Science Writer

A Science Writer writes about science for a general audience. This course may be useful to you since it will help you gain a deep understanding of modern TEM and the connection between the optics and operation of the instrument, the physics of electron-matter interactions, and insights into the materials properties of the sample.

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Science Teacher

A Science Teacher teaches science at the elementary, middle, or high school level. This course may be useful to you since it will help you gain a deep understanding of modern TEM and the connection between the optics and operation of the instrument, the physics of electron-matter interactions, and insights into the materials properties of the sample.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates and maintains technical documentation, such as user manuals, training materials, and marketing collateral. This course may be useful to you since it will help you gain a deep understanding of modern TEM and the connection between the optics and operation of the instrument, the physics of electron-matter interactions, and insights into the materials properties of the sample.

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