Course information

GOALS:

After successful completion of the lecture, the students

• will be able to describe and differentiate different phases and types of matter and understand how their microscopic structure and topologies affect their properties,
• comprehend the fundamental principles and theoretical frameworks that describe emergent phenomena and self-organisation,
• identify, describe, and quantify interactions and correlations in soft matter and how they may affect the microscopic and macroscopic properties of these systems,
• familiarise with experimental techniques and tools for studying soft condensed matter systems,
• analyse and interpret experimental data related to soft matter systems,
• explore advanced topics in this field and apply their knowledge to various technological and scientific challenges.

CON­TENT:

Soft condensed matter is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field that explores the physics of materials with complex structures and behaviours between the atomic and macroscopic scales. Encompassing a diverse array of materials such as liquid crystals, gels, foams, polymers, granular matter, emulsions, plasmas, colloidal fluids, and glasses, the course explores substances with structures and properties deviating from conventional liquids and solids. Key thematic areas covered in the course include emergent phenomena, self-assembly, interactions and correlations, symmetries, topology-dependent material properties, and phase transitions. Moreover, the course delves into the challenges associated with conventional theoretical and experimental methodologies in understanding the dynamics of soft condensed matter. This prompts students to critically evaluate limitations and encourages exploration of alternative hypotheses and methodologies. The introduction of modern computational and experimental methods will be judiciously incorporated as relevant to provide students with a holistic understanding of this dynamic field.

EXAM:

TBD

MIS­CEL­LA­NEOUS:

Teaching methods/formats

The course will integrate diverse teaching methods, incorporating both traditional and modern approaches to foster a comprehensive learning experience. Students can expect a blend of traditional chalkboard lectures and dynamic presentation slides, ensuring a multi-faceted understanding of theoretical concepts. Interactive discussions will be encouraged to engage students actively in the learning process. Additionally, hands-on experiences in computation and experiments will be integrated wherever applicable and feasible, providing students with practical insights and skills.

To reinforce independent thinking and collaborative skills, the course structure includes biweekly assignments for individual work. Furthermore, a final project requiring group collaboration will be a key component. This project culminates in a presentation, allowing students to apply acquired knowledge to real-world problems. The combination of these elements aims to enrich the learning journey by promoting a deeper understanding of theoretical concepts, fostering independent thinking, and encouraging effective teamwork.

Mode of assessment

The details of the assessment and evaluation methods for this course are as follows:

1. Biweekly Assignments:

• Maximum Length: 2 pages
• Submission Deadline: 2 weeks after each assignment
• Processing Time: 2 weeks
• Scope: Throughout the module, students have to complete biweekly assignments. These assignments are purposefully designed to evaluate the practical application of knowledge, critical thinking, and the development of competences.

Term Paper:

• Maximum Length: 10 pages
• Submission Deadline: 4 weeks before the term’s conclusion
• Processing Time: 4 weeks
• Scope: Four weeks after the course begins, the instructor will present a range of topics for the final project. Students will select a project and form groups of 2-3 individuals to collaborate on the chosen topic. Each project will be crafted to enable students to showcase their understanding and application of the module's content through a comprehensive term paper. The paper should reflect a profound engagement with the subject matter, offering an in-depth exploration within the specified page limit.

Seminar :

• Duration: 20 minutes
• Submission Deadline: 2 weeks before the term’s conclusion
• Processing Time: 2 weeks
• Scope: The students will present their findings of their term project. This examination serves to holistically assess the competences acquired during the final project. Encompassing a wide range of skills and knowledge relevant to the course and the specific project topic chosen by the students, it provides a comprehensive evaluation.

All assessment modes will be meticulously crafted to ensure a thorough evaluation of competences taught throughout the module, transcending beyond mere content knowledge. Students are encouraged to choose the project topics that aligns best with their strengths and learning preferences.