Material Characterization Course | IIT Madras | SEM, TEM, XRD
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 457 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Metallurgy and Material science & Mining Engineering, Minor in Metallurgy, Electronic Materials, Minor in Materials Science |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 17 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlock the Secrets of Materials: A Comprehensive Guide to Microstructural Analysis
Have you ever wondered what gives a metal its strength, a ceramic its brittleness, or a polymer its flexibility? The answers lie beneath the surface, at the microstructural level. Understanding a material's internal structure is fundamental to predicting its behavior, improving its properties, and innovating new applications. This is the realm of Material Characterization.
We are excited to introduce a detailed 12-week online course designed to demystify this critical field. Taught by Prof. Sankaran.S from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), this course offers a structured journey from fundamental principles to advanced techniques.
Course Overview: What You Will Learn
This course serves as a foundational guide to the primary tools used for microstructural investigation. Over 12 weeks, you will build a strong theoretical understanding complemented by practical insights through instrument demonstrations and experimental videos.
Detailed Course Layout & Weekly Breakdown
The curriculum is meticulously planned to ensure a logical progression from basic optics to sophisticated electron microscopy.
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1-3 | Optical Microscopy: Fundamentals of optics, instrument details, phase contrast, polarised light, DIC, fluorescence microscopy, sample preparation, and applications. |
| Week 4-6 | Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): Introduction, instrumental details, image formation, various imaging techniques, spectroscopy (like EDS), sample preparation, and applications. |
| Week 7-9 | X-Ray Diffraction (XRD): Fundamentals of X-ray scattering, Bragg’s law, factors affecting intensity, crystallite size, strain analysis, profile fitting, indexing, quantitative & residual stress analysis, and instrumentation demo. |
| Week 10-12 | Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM): Introduction, diffraction and image formation, various imaging techniques (like HRTEM), spectroscopy, sample preparation, applications, and instrumentation demo. |
Who Should Enroll?
This course is perfectly tailored for:
- Undergraduate & Postgraduate Students in Metallurgical, Materials, Physics, Chemistry, and Biological Sciences.
- Professionals pursuing a Minor in Metallurgy or Minor in Materials Science.
- Individuals interested in Electronic Materials and Mining Engineering.
- Early-career engineers and researchers in R&D seeking to solidify their characterization skills.
Industry Relevance & Support
The skills imparted in this course are in high demand across numerous sectors. All Metallurgical, automotive, aerospace, semiconductor, and manufacturing industries rely heavily on material characterization for quality control, failure analysis, and new material development. Proficiency in these techniques significantly enhances employability and research potential.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Sankaran.S
Gain knowledge from an expert at the forefront of the field. Prof. Sankaran.S is an Associate Professor in the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at IIT Madras. His deep expertise includes:
- Deformation Processing of Materials
- Mechanical Behavior of Materials
- Electron Microscopy
He also holds the pivotal role of Faculty In-Charge of the Central Electron Microscopy Facility at IIT Madras, ensuring the course content is grounded in real-world, practical experience with advanced instrumentation.
Essential Reference Books
To supplement your learning, the course references authoritative texts, including:
- Fundamentals of Light Microscopy and Electronic Imaging by Douglas B. Murphy
- Encyclopedia of Materials Characterization by C. Richard Brundle et al.
- Elements of X-ray Diffraction by B.D. Cullity and S.R. Stock
- Transmission Electron Microscopy by D.B. Williams and C. Barry Carter
Why Take This Course?
In today's competitive world, theoretical knowledge must be paired with practical skills. This course offers:
- A Strong Foundation: Master the principles behind the most used characterization tools.
- Virtual Practical Exposure: See instruments in action through detailed demonstrations, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
- Career Advancement: Add highly valued skills to your portfolio for academia or industry.
- Learning from the Best: Benefit from the IIT Madras pedagogy and the direct experience of a leading professor.
Whether you are a student aiming to excel in your curriculum, a researcher beginning your journey, or a professional looking to upskill, this course in Material Characterization is your gateway to seeing materials in a whole new light. Enroll today and start deciphering the hidden architecture of the material world!
Enroll Now →