Module manager: Dr Johan Mattsson
Email: K.J.L.Mattsson@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
PHYS5431M Soft Matter Characterisation
This module is not approved as a discovery module
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.
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and applications of:
1. Structure of polymers
2. Dynamics and viscoelasticity of polymer melts and solutions
3. Glass-formation in soft matter
4. Colloids and colloidal interactions
5. Phase separation in soft matter
- 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
- Phase separation in soft matter
- Equilibrium and non-equilibrium phase diagrams of liquid, polymers and colloids
- Applications of polymers, colloids and soft matter
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Workshop | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Independent online learning hours | 22 | ||
| Private study hours | 112 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 16 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Preparation for assignments etc
Regular quizzes
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Assignment | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs 30 Mins | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 70 | |
Students must submit a serious attempt at all assessments for this module, in order to pass the module overall.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 3/25/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team