2016/17 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS5342M Soft Matter Physics: Polymers, Colloids and Glasses

15 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Dr Johan Mattsson
Email: k.j.i.mattson@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

Module replaces

PHYS5431M Soft Matter Characterisation

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

On completion of this module students should:

- Gained the foundation for the understanding of the properties, behaviour and characterisation of soft matter including polymers, colloids, and glasses.

- Understand some main techniques for studying structure and dynamics in soft matter.

- Understand where and how soft matter is important for applications

Learning outcomes
To relate experimental techniques to theoretical principles;
Demonstrate an understanding of most fundamental laws and principles of physics, along with their application to a variety of areas in physics, some of which are at (or are informed by) the forefront of the discipline;
Solve advanced problems in physics using appropriate mathematical tools;
Use mathematical techniques and analysis to model physical behaviour and interpret mathematical descriptions of physical phenomena;
Communicate complex scientific ideas concisely, accurately and informatively;
Manage own learning and make use of appropriate texts, research articles and other primary sources.

Syllabus

- Concepts of soft matter
- Colloids, colloidal forces and interactions
- Colloidal stabilisation
- Colloidal phase diagrams
- Flow-induced effects
- Glasses and amorphous solids
- Thermodynamics and glass-formation, dynamics
- Characterisation of structure in amorphous materials
- Polymer structure/size/configuration and conformations/fractals
- Ideal and non-ideal chains, Flory theory, scaling theory, melts and solutions
- Lattice models
- Rubbers and gels
- Rouse, Zimm, and reptation models
- Rheology and polymer viscoelasticity
- Light scattering in soft matter
- Phase separation in soft matter
- Equilibrium and non-equilibrium phase diagrams of liquid, polymers and colloids
- Applications of polymers, colloids and soft matter

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	22	1.00	22.00
Private study hours			128.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Preparation for assingments etc

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

2 x assignments. 1 x Essay or dissertation; 1 x Homework Problems

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	2 x assignments (10% each)	20.00
Essay	-	10.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		30.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 30 mins	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		70.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 13/04/2015

Disclaimer

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• Undergraduate module catalogue
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• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

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