Chemistry: Scattering Methods for Soft Matters

<p>Interested how to study the structure and dynamics of proteins, polymers and colloidal particles? You will learn how different scattering methods are used to investigate soft materials in research and industry. The course also provides an introduction to research facilities such as MAX IV and ESS.</p><p>This course provides an introduction to scattering techniques used to investigate the structural and dynamic properties of soft materials, including proteins, polymers, colloidal dispersions, and other biological or synthetic macromolecules. Students will gain an understanding of both static and dynamic scattering methods and learn how these techniques are applied in fundamental research and industrial settings.</p><p>The course covers the principles and applications of small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), neutron reflectometry (NR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS), as well as data analysis and interpretation. Through lectures, exercises, and laboratory work, students will learn how to design experiments, analyze scattering data, and extract information about structure and dynamics in soft matter systems.</p><p>A unique aspect of the course is its connection to large-scale research facilities. Students will gain insight into the use of advanced instrumentation at facilities such as MAX IV and the European Spallation Source (ESS), and will practice preparing beamtime proposals for experiments at these world-leading research infrastructures.</p><p>The course is offered both as part of a programme and as a standalone course.</p>