PCC-31806 Advanced Soft Matter

Course

Credits 6.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Lectures24
Practical intensively supervised14
Project learning18
Course coordinator(s)prof. dr. ir. J van der Gucht
Lecturer(s)dr. ir. JHB Sprakel
prof. dr. ir. J van der Gucht
Examiner(s)prof. dr. ir. J van der Gucht

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

PCC-20806 Colloid Science

Contents:

Soft matter is the study of materials that are neither solid, nor liquid, they are somewhere in between. Examples of such materials can be found everywhere around us: food products, soaps, gels, paints, and almost all biological materials. Characteristic of these materials is that their structure and dynamics at the microscale are dominated by thermal fluctuations. In this course we will show how the balance between these thermal fluctuations and the interactions between molecules can lead to complex structures and mechanical properties at a larger scale. Topics include: biopolymers, gels, liquid crystals, polyelectrolytes, phase separation, rheology, and interfacial phenomena, such as surface tension, wetting, adsorption, emulsions, and capillary effects.
Special attention will be paid to biological soft matter systems (e.g. the behavior of DNA, the properties of protein filaments in the cell cytoskeleton, and the mechanical behavior of living cells), and to the relevance for practical areas such as food science and nanotechnology. The course consists of lectures and a case study, in which the students work individually on a topic that is closely related to the research in the department. This case study can also include an experimental part.

Learning outcomes:

After following this course, students are expected to:
- have insight into how molecular interactions can lead to structure formation and dynamical phenomena at the mesoscopic scale;
- be able to recognize and apply concepts of soft matter science presented in the course in practical situations, in particular in biological systems;
- be able to read scientific journal papers on soft matter subjects;
- be able to design and carry out experiments on soft matter phenomena;
- have improved communication skills by reporting on selected research topics, both oral and written.

Activities:

Participate in lectures, work out assignments, case study including experimental part, write report, oral presentation, self-study.

Examination:

The evaluation will be carried out on the basis of assignments, a case study (including report) and presentation.

Literature:

A study guide will be available. The study material will be announced well before the start of the course.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Restricted Optional for: MBTBiotechnologyMScD: Process Technology1MO
MMLMolecular Life SciencesMScD: Physical Chemistry1MO
MMLMolecular Life SciencesMScC: Physical Biology1MO
MMLMolecular Life SciencesMScE: Environmental Chemistry1MO
MMLMolecular Life SciencesMScA: Biomedical Research1MO