Learning objectives
Knowledge and understanding:
New materials represent one of the frontiers of chemical research. This course will highlight the working methodology in materials research through the study of three different classes of materials.
Applying knowledge and understanding:
The student will be able to apply the acquired theoretical knowledge in the day to day practice in the field of materials science.
The students will have to be able to:
a) memorize and understand fundamental concepts (learning skills);
b) correlate these concepts together (making judgements);
c) use them as theoretical background to tackle topics in materials science not necessarily handled during the course, but connected with it;
d) explain them in an organize way using a proper scientific language.
Prerequisites
Basic courses in organic, physical and polymer chemistry
Course unit content
Aim of the course: New materials represent one of the frontiers of chemical research. This course will highlight the working methodology in materials research through the study of three different classes of materials. For each class physical, chemical and application aspects will be discussed in a comprehensive way.
Self-assembly: Nanofabrication via self-assembly and self-organization, transfer of the molecular properties to the macroscopic properties.
Liquid crystals: Definition, physical properties, types of mesophases, synthesis, structure-property relationship, characterization, electrical and optical properties. LC polymers. Applications: LCD, thermochromism, flat panel TV, etc.
Specialty polymers: Conductive, biodegradable and self-healing polymers. Design, synthesis and functional properties
Full programme
See the contenuti part.
Bibliography
Handsout and tutorials provided by the teacher
Teaching methods
Classes and tutorials (72 hours).
Assessment methods and criteria
Written and oral examination.
To verify the level of learning achieved, written tests with open questions will be employed. The questions will span all the topics treated during the course. This type of examination allows to determine in an absolute and comparative fashion:
1) the competence on the different subjects;
2) the ability in giving precise answers to specific questions;
3) the presentation skills;
4) the exactness of the scientific language employed.
Each question will be given a mark from 0 to 5, corrected, if needed, with a weighting scheme related to the difficulty of the question. All the marks will be summed up and scaled to yield a grade in the 30/30 range. The oral examination will determine the ability of the candidate to connect and apply the notions acquired in the frame of real case. The grade of the oral will weighted with that of the written examination to give the final grade in the 30/30.
Other information
Handsout are available online.
The teacher is available for explanations by appointment. At least 5 exam dates per session.
