- UCAS course code
- FG3C
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Soft Matter Physics
Unit code | PHYS40752 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 10 |
Unit level | Level 4 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Soft Matter Physics
Pre/co-requisites
Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Statistical Mechanics | PHYS20352 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Applications of Quantum Physics | PHYS30101 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Mathematical Fundamentals of Quantum Mechanics | PHYS30201 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Electromagnetic Radiation | PHYS30141 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Electrodynamics (M) | PHYS30441 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Aims
1. to provide a broad overview of different states, and properties of soft matter.
2. to introduce the physics of soft materials including liquid crystals, polymers and colloids.
3. to point out the connections between different soft matter materials, in particular liquid crystals, polymers and colloids.
Learning outcomes
On completion successful students will be able to:
1. Explain the general concepts of soft matter physics.
2. Describe concepts of the physics of liquid crystals, polymers and colloids.
3. Give examples and explanations of phase transitions in soft matter.
4. Describe the connections between liquid crystals, polymers and colloids.
5. Explain key experimental techniques in relation to soft condensed matter.
Syllabus
1. Introduction to Soft Materials
Classification in terms of their thermal, mechanical and often unusual physical properties.
2. Liquid crystals
General structure of liquid crystalline molecules, structure of phases.
3. The liquid crystalline state
Order parameter and Maier-Saupe theory.
4. Chirality, optical properties, ferroelectricity and Landau theory
5. Experimental techniques in the study of liquid crystal properties
6. Introduction to polymers
Terminology and nomenclature molar masses and distributions, chain - dimensions and structures.
7. Polymers in solution
Ideal solutions, Flory-Huggins theory
8. Mechanical properties of polymers and visco-elastic behaviour.
9. The glass transition
General phenomenon and theoretical models, experimental determination
10. Liquid crystal polymers, elastomers
11. Colloids
Stability, DLVO theory and gels
12. Association colloids, Lyotropic Liquid Crystals and Langmuir-Blogett films
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
---|---|
Written exam | 100% |
Feedback methods
There will be questions given out with the lecture summaries every week. Solutions will be discussed in three Q&A sessions which will provide feedback to students on their present understanding of course material covered.
Recommended reading
Collings, P.J. & Hird, M. Introduction to Liquid Crystals
Hamley, I.W. Introduction to Soft Matter (Wiley) Chichester, 2000
Jones, R.A.L. Soft Condensed Matter (OUP) Oxford, 2002
Kleman, M., Lavrentovich O. Soft Matter Physics (Springer), 2003
Rubinstein, M., Colby, R. H., Polymer Physics (OUP), 2003
Tabor, D., Gases liquids & solids CUP, 1991
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
---|---|
Assessment written exam | 1.5 |
Lectures | 24 |
Independent study hours | |
---|---|
Independent study | 74.5 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
---|---|
Thomas Waigh | Unit coordinator |