Introduction to Magnetism: The Challenges of Rare Earth Magnets

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.

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.

• Origin of magnetism
• Getting to know each other
• Some definitions
• Where does magnetism come from?
• Unit systems
• Week 1 summary
• The Periodic Table
• Introduction and history
• Atomic number and electronic structure
• Origins of magnetism of Rare Earths elements
• Week 2 summary
• Types of magnetic materials
• Behaviour of materials in magnetic fields
• Types of magnetic materials
• In-house experimental techniques
• Experimental techniques in large facilities
• Week 3 summary
• Hysteresis loop of a ferromagnet
• Ferromagnetic order and energy minimization
• Hysteresis loop and related properties
• Magnetic anisotropy
• Week 4 summary
• Crystal structure of magnets
• Atomic arrangements in solids
• Magneto-crystalline and shape anisotropy
• Applications of magnets
• Week 5 summary
• Rare Earth magnet value chain
• 3d and 4f magnets
• Rare Earth value chain
• Week 6 summary
• Course summary