The course aims at providing fundamental knowledge in soft matter physics (broadly defined) to students in physics, chemistry, engineering and quantitative life science. “Soft” matters are distinct from “hard” condensed matter in that the typical energy scale of the system is comparable to thermal energies, and therefore competition between energy and entropy is important for understanding the system. We will take a physics-based approach, and use major concepts in soft matter physics such as scaling arguments to discuss the structure and behavior of soft materials and understand the importance of interfaces in those systems. Topics covered include: colloids, polymers, low Reynolds hydrodynamics and interfacial transport, depletion/entropic forces... Current research topics, such as active matter or nanofluidics will be discussed. Students who take this course are expected to be familiar with concepts from thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.
Target group: Students in physics, chemistry, engineering and quantitative life science can be interested on this subject at the interface between the different fields.
Prerequisites: At the very least a strong mathematical background (calculus, probabilities). A good understanding of thermodynamics will come handy and a basic grasp of statistical mechanics concepts will help
Evaluation: Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale and will be based on participation. To receive a ‘pass’ grade you must: (1) attend and actively participate in at least 80% of the lectures and recitations, and (2) successfully give your paper presentation. Asking questions in both the lectures and recitation period will be considered a fundamental part of ‘actively’ participating.
Teaching format: Lectures + weekly paper reading / presentations
ECTS: 3 Year: 2021
Track segment(s):
PHY-CON Physics - Condensed Matter
Teacher(s):
Jérémie Palacci
Teaching assistant(s):
If you want to enroll to this course, please click: REGISTER
- Trainer/in: Jérémie PALACCI