Cristallographie et Minéralogie Appliquée

Theory: 

• Geometric Crystallography: Crystalline geometry in 2D and 3D, crystal lattices, symmetry operations, point and space groups, crystal systems, …
• Applications in mineralogy: principles of diffraction, the reciprocal lattice, X-ray diffraction, interaction of X-rays / electrons with matter, electron microscopy, Energy and Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS vs WDS), …

Practical Work: Dedicated exercises on crystalline geometry, recognition of elements of symmetry and deduction of point group of a crystal form, stereographic projection, X-ray diffraction (sample preparation and analysis), interpretation of X-ray diffractograms, interpretation of EDS spectra and WDS data, …

Personal Work: Presentation of a scientific article, in groups of 2

• Formulate the fundamental definitions relevant to crystallography
• Explain symmetry operations in 2D and 3D
• Compare crystal lattices in 2D and 3D
• Explain the principles of X-ray diffraction
• Explain the principles of electron microscopy and different types of analysis
• Explain the interaction of X-rays and electrons with matter
• Practicals : Present 3D crystal systems by stereographic projection
• Practicals : Identify elements of symmetry in a crystal and determine the point group
• Practicals : Examine X-ray diffractogrammes and determine the type of mineral represented (using appropriate software where needed)
• Personal Work (groups of 2): Read, summarise and present a scientific article discussing a geological application of crystallography

Required and corequired courses

Theory: classes are given in-person. Some lectures may be replaced by podcasts / videos. The educational material (slides, syllabus) is accompanied by multiple-choice tests on UV.
Practical sessions: in-person, including a session in a laboratory (if conditions allow). A large part of the practicals is done by computer. Participation to the practical sessions is mandatory. 
Personal work: oral presentation of a scientific paper, in groups of 2. 
If sanitary conditions allow, the entire course is given in-person. If not, theory and/or practicals will be given online with adequate guidance.

Contribution to the teaching profile

This course represents the continuation of the Mineralogy course and introduces the student to the internal structure of solid materials. The structural arrangement of atoms in a mineral determines its properties and applications, and is therefore essential in geology.

The second part of the course gives an introduction to modern techniques that are often used in geology, to study the structure and/or composition of minerals, and their applications in either research and/or industry.

The personal work that is part of this course provides the student with the transferable skills of reading, interpreting and presenting research articles.

References, bibliography, and recommended reading

Hammond, C. (2015). The Basics of Crystallography and Diffraction, fourth edition. International Union of Crystallography and Oxford University Press, 519pp.

Girolami, G.S. (2016). X-Ray Crystallography. University Science Books, 500 pp.

Borchardt-Ott, W. (2011). Crystallography – An Introduction, Third edition. Springer-Verlag, 355 pp.

Klein, C. & Dutrow, B. (2007). The 23rd Edition of the Manual of Mineral Science. John Wiley & Sons, 675 pp.
 

Course notes

• Syllabus
• Université virtuelle

Contacts

Karen Fontijn
Karen.Fontijn@ulb.be
02/6502237

Campus

Solbosch

Method(s) of evaluation

• written examination
• Practice exam
• Oral presentation
• Other

written examination

Practice exam

Oral presentation

Other

Theory: written exam if the public health conditions allow an on-site evaluation; if not: oral examination on Teams, without time to prepare

Practicals: written exam, including exercice by computer. The students receive three questions/exercises, and may choose two to solve. If conditions do not allow on-site evaluation, the practical exam will take place online. 

Presentation of research article, in groups of 2, after the end of the theory course. The exact date will be decided on in agreement with the students. Only one evaluation per academic year is possible for the presentation. 

Mark calculation method (including weighting of intermediary marks)

Theory: 55%
Practicals: 30%
Presentation: 15%
Participation to each part (theory, practicals and presentation) is mandatory in order to obtain a final note.
In case of a mark below 7/20 for one or multiple part(s) of the exam, the course coordinator may decide to attribute the lowest mark to the entire course, even if the weighted average represents a mark equal to or above 10/20. The student will have to retake the part(s) of the exam for which the mark is below 10/20.

Language(s) of evaluation

• french