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Introduction to Magnetism: The Challenges of Rare Earth Magnets

Explore the fundamental concepts of magnetism to better understand the rare earth magnet value chain.

347 enrolled on this course

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  • Duration

    6 weeks
  • Weekly study

    2 hours
  • 100% online

    How it works
  • Digital upgrade

    Free

Develop job-ready skills for the rare earth magnets value chain sector

Rare earth magnets are strong permanent magnets with effective energy-producing capabilities. This makes them a vital component of climate-positive products such as electric vehicles and wind turbines.

On this six-week course, you’ll delve into the rare earth magnet value chain to help you prepare for jobs in the industries involved. You’ll also gain the necessary skills to adapt to a changing industrial environment – one that is more resilient and green.

With this knowledge, you’ll be able to search and implement innovative solutions in the rare earth permanent magnet industry sector.

Delve into the periodic table and rare earth elements

You’ll start by exploring the origin of magnetism and its basic concepts including key terminology, applications, and value.

Next, you’ll gain a solid introduction to the periodic table to understand its origins and structure. With this knowledge, you’ll have a deeper understanding of rare earth elements.

Explore the types of magnetic materials

On week three of the course, you’ll explore different types of magnetic materials to understand their behaviour.

You’ll also learn the elements that permanent magnets consist of and the techniques used to measure magnetic properties of materials to help you gain practical skills.

Gain an understanding of the hysteresis loop and the rare earth magnet value chain

To help you develop an advanced understanding of magnets, you’ll unpack concepts such as the hysteresis loop as well as 3d metal vs 4f metal for magnets.

Finally, you’ll delve further into the rare earth magnet value chain. This exploration will ensure you finish the course with an understanding of its importance for the green energy transition.

What topics will you cover?

  • The origins of magnetism
  • The Periodic Table
  • Types of magnetic materials
  • Hysteresis loop of a ferromagnet
  • Crystal Structure of Magnets
  • Rare Earth magnet value chain

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explain the terminology and units related to magnetism
  • Explain the logic of the elements’ arrangements in the Periodic Table
  • Describe the different types of magnetic materials and their behaviour in magnetic field
  • Describe the interconnection between the crystal structure of materials and their magnetism
  • Describe what elements permanent magnets consist of
  • Describe the techniques that used to measure magnetic properties of materials

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in rare earth magnets, with no prior experience needed. You may already work in the rare earth magnet value chain or you are looking to enter this industry.

The knowledge you’ll learn will help you gain an understanding of the critical links of rare earth magnets value chain.

Who will you learn with?

I am an associate professor at the Department of Physics of the University of Oviedo, Spain, where I have been working since 2008 teaching and doing research, and everything else in between

I am a docent in Materials Chemistry. My field of competence is Materials Science. I did my PhD studies, dedicated to synthesis and characterization magnetic materials, at Uppsala University, Sweden

I am an Assistant Professor at the Physics Department of the University of Oviedo. My research is focused on developing new materials for energy applications, such as permanent magnets.

I am a Professor in Materials Technology at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. I teach courses on Modeling Materials Properties.

Who developed the course?

EIT RawMaterials

Initiated and funded by the EIT (European Institute of Innovation and Technology), a body of the European Union, EIT RawMaterials is the largest European raw materials partnership.

What's included?

EIT RawMaterials are offering everyone who joins this course a free digital upgrade, so that you can experience the full benefits of studying online for free. This means that you get:

  • Unlimited access to this course
  • Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes
  • A PDF Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you’re eligible
  • Learning on FutureLearn

    Your learning, your rules

    • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
    • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
    • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

    Join a global classroom

    • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
    • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
    • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

    Map your progress

    • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
    • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
    • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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