Here is a proposed 200-module, year-long post-graduate level intensive curriculum in X-ray and ultrafast science, designed to prepare students for research at facilities like the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), and megaelectronvolt ultrafast electron diffraction (MeV-UED):

Foundations of X-ray and Ultrafast Science (30 modules):

1-5: Electromagnetic Theory and Wave Optics

6-10: Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics

11-15: Solid State Physics and Condensed Matter Theory

16-20: Laser Physics and Nonlinear Optics

21-25: Accelerator Physics and Beam Dynamics

26-30: Synchrotron Radiation and Free-Electron Lasers

X-ray Optics and Instrumentation (40 modules):

31-35: X-ray Diffraction and Crystallography

36-40: X-ray Spectroscopy and Absorption Techniques

41-45: X-ray Imaging and Tomography

46-50: X-ray Detectors and Data Acquisition Systems

51-55: X-ray Optics Design and Simulation

56-60: Synchrotron Beamline Instrumentation and Optics

61-65: X-ray Free-Electron Laser Beamline Design and Optimization

66-70: X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy and Dynamics

Ultrafast Science and Technology (40 modules):

71-75: Ultrafast Lasers and Pulse Generation Techniques

76-80: Ultrafast Spectroscopy and Pump-Probe Methods

81-85: Time-Resolved X-ray Diffraction and Scattering

86-90: Ultrafast Electron Diffraction and Microscopy

91-95: Attosecond Science and High Harmonic Generation

96-100: Terahertz Spectroscopy and Imaging

101-105: Ultrafast Photoemission Spectroscopy and Electron Dynamics

106-110: Ultrafast X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy

Applications in Materials Science and Condensed Matter Physics (30 modules):

111-115: Nanoscale Imaging and Characterization with X-rays

116-120: In-situ and Operando X-ray Studies of Materials

121-125: Time-Resolved Studies of Phase Transitions and Dynamics

126-130: Ultrafast Magnetization Dynamics and Spintronics

131-135: Photonic and Plasmonic Materials Studied with X-rays

136-140: Ultrafast Charge and Energy Transfer in Nanomaterials

Applications in Chemistry and Biology (30 modules):

141-145: Time-Resolved X-ray Crystallography of Proteins

146-150: X-ray Footprinting and Structural Biology

151-155: X-ray Spectroscopy of Catalytic Reactions

156-160: Ultrafast Chemical Dynamics and Reaction Intermediates

161-165: X-ray Imaging of Biological Samples and Cells

166-170: Ultrafast Processes in Photosynthesis and Light-Harvesting

Data Analysis and Computational Methods (20 modules):

171-175: X-ray and Ultrafast Data Processing and Reduction

176-180: Machine Learning for X-ray and Ultrafast Data Analysis

181-185: Molecular Dynamics Simulations and X-ray Scattering

186-190: Computational Methods for X-ray Imaging and Tomography

Capstone Project and Advanced Topics (10 modules):

191-195: Independent Research Project at LCLS, SSRL, or MeV-UED

196-200: Advanced Topics in X-ray and Ultrafast Science

Throughout the course, students will engage in a combination of online lectures, seminars, hands-on laboratory work, and computational projects that cover the fundamental principles and cutting-edge applications of X-ray and ultrafast science. The curriculum emphasizes the development of deep theoretical understanding, experimental skills, and data analysis capabilities, as well as the ability to work effectively in collaborative research environments.

By the end of this intensive program, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the state-of-the-art techniques and instrumentation used at world-leading X-ray and ultrafast science facilities, such as LCLS, SSRL, and MeV-UED. They will be well-prepared to conduct independent research and contribute to the development of new methods and applications in this rapidly evolving field.

The course also places a strong emphasis on the interdisciplinary nature of X-ray and ultrafast science, with modules covering applications in materials science, condensed matter physics, chemistry, and biology. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, hands-on training, and independent research projects, this curriculum provides a solid foundation for future leaders and innovators in X-ray and ultrafast science.