Soft Condensed Matter
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PHYS4006 | Physics and Astronomy | 4 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- PHYS4006
- School
- Physics and Astronomy
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
The aim of this module will be to give students a basic grounding in key concepts in soft condensed matter physics, with emphasis being placed on the dynamic, structural and kinematic properties of these materials. Key differences and similarities between soft matter, hard matter and liquid systems will be highlighted and discussed throughout the module. Material that will be covered includes:
1) Introduction to Soft Matter
2) Forces, energies and timescales in soft matter
3) Liquids and glasses
4) Phase transitions in soft matter (solid-liquid and liquid-liquid demixing)
5) Polymeric materials
6) Gelation
7) Crystallisation in soft systems
8) Liquid crystals
9) Molecular order in soft systems
10) Soft Nanotechnology
The structure of the proposed module will be based on the book Soft Condensed Matter by R.A.L. Jones (OUP, 2002). This book is aimed at an advanced undergraduate audience.
Target Students
Students in the 3rd year of Physics programmes. Students in the 3rd or 4th year of Mathematical Physics, Chemistry and Molecular Physics, or Natural Sciences programmes.
Classes
This module is based on a series of lectures throughout the autumn semester.
Assessment
- 100% Exam 1 (2-hour): Exam
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to introduce students to the general area of soft condensed matter: amorphous solids and complex fluids. These materials exhibit many phenomena in which entropy drives the physics as much as energetic considerations. The module will also provide a short introduction to the phenomenology of phase transitions.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
On successful completion of the module, students will have enhanced their:
• A1 knowledge of polymers, liquid crystals, and other complex fluids
• A2 knowledge and understanding of the scientific method.
• A3 understanding of how the basic principles of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics are applied in a range of situations.
• A4 knowledge of the methods of thermal physics for the analysis of physical problems
Intellectual Skills
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated their ability to:
• B1 apply thermodynamic principles to the quantitative analysis of physical situations.
• B2 apply high levels of numeracy and analysis.
• B3 apply techniques of problem solving.
Professional/Practical Skills
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated their ability to:
• C1 formulate problems in condensed matter physics using appropriate mathematical language.
Transferable/Key Skills
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated their ability to:
• D1 develop appropriate strategies for study, including the use of library, human, and electronic sources of information.