Starting in 1999 the first "DSC course with emphasis on practical operations" was organised by the Dutch Society for Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry (Thermische Analyse Werkgroep Nederland, TAWN). The organizing committee was located at the Chemical Thermodynamics Group of Utrecht University.

In 2011 the TAWN organised a new course on October 13th and 14th at DSM Resolve, Geleen, The Netherlands. This time besides DSC also TGA as well as Fast Scanning Calorimetry was included in the programme of the course. The duration of the course was two days. The course is suitable for both beginners as well as for experienced users in the Thermal Analysis field. The course is structured as follows: first the theoretical background is explained and immediately after the practical training begins. 

The following subjects were included in the program:

• Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC): theory and practice
• Fast scanning calorimetry: theory and practice
• Thermogravimetry (TGA): theory and practice
• Phase transitions in various materials; pharmaceuticals, polymers, metals
  • Solid-solid transitions
  • Glass transition temperatures
  • Cold crystallization
  • Liquid crystal transitions
  • Polymorphism
• Calibration of DSC in general
• Influence of the sample size, scan rate etc.
• The effect of super cooling
• Determination of the specific heat capacity
• How to determine phase diagrams by means of thermal analysis
• Purity analysis by means of DSC

Lecturers:

• Dr. Paul van Ekeren
• Dr. Geert Vanden Poel
• Prof. Guy Vanden Mooter
• Dhr. Thijs Pijpers
• Dhr. Wim de Klerk

For the practical operations the participants of the course could use the equipment in the laboratory of DSM Resolve.

The TAWN thanks the management and the employees of DSM Resolve very much.

	Click here for the report of the course in 2003.
	Click here for the report of the course in 2005

(last changed: December 16, 2011)