570009 VU Synchrotron X-ray methods to characterize contaminant speciation and solid phases in soils (2025S)

The course assessment will be based on a final written project as well as attendance and participation in the hands-on XAS data processing and analysis module. No in-person examination is included in the course. The final student project will consist of a short 1-2 page written document that can be selected depending on the students’ preference. Option 1) A beam time proposal following the template of a synchrotron of choice. Option 2) A report that presents data processing and analysis using XAS data already collected by the student or provided by instructor. This report will include plotted figures derived from the XAS analysis, which will be covered in the course lectures.

If the students choose to write a beam line proposal for the final project (Option 1), the students must demonstrate knowledge of the content of a beam line proposal, which will be covered in module 1 of the course. If the students choose to write a report on XAS data processing and analysis (Option 2), the students must demonstrate the ability to background-subtract raw XAS data and analyze the processed data, which will be covered in module 2 of the course. For the final project, any resources can be used (provided by the course or otherwise obtained). The time break-down of the course (24 hours total) is expected to be approximately 12-14 hours for in-person lectures and approximately 10-12 hours for the final project to be completed outside of lecture time.