Soft Matter

MATS42602 Soft Matter 15 Semester 2 Undergraduate Level 7 Thomas Mcdonald Unit coordinator Department of Materials 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5 The unit covers a number of ‘soft’ polymer systems, providing an understanding of the underlying principles.  The unit covers a number of ‘soft’ polymer systems, providing an understanding of the underlying principles. Lecture topics include:<ul><li>Introduction: Overview of soft matter systems and their applications.</li><li>Swelling of Elastomers; Fracture of soft materials; Liquid and Polymer crystals; Applications of Dendrimers;  Structure of Foams and Biological membranes.</li><li>Polymer colloid systems: Colloids and interfaces in biomaterial science; polymers in solution and at interfaces; acid-base behaviour - drug delivery and proteins; DLVO theory; biomaterial-biologic interactions; adsorption of proteins on biomaterial surfaces; non-fouling surfaces: principles and experiments.</li><li>Hydrogels: definition and properties, chemical and physical gel concepts, polymeric and elf-assembled systems, characterisation rheological and structural (shear rheology), application of hydrogels in the food, biomedical and other industries.</li></ul> The unit aims to:<ol><li>Primarily, to provide an understanding of the principles underlying the behaviour of soft matter: polymer biomaterials, colloids and elastomers.</li><li>Provide an overview of the properties and applications of polymer biomaterials, colloids and elastomers.</li></ol> A greater depth of the learning outcomes will be covered in the following sections: <ul> <li> Knowledge and understanding</li> <li> Intellectual skills</li> <li> Practical skills</li> <li> Transferable skills and personal qualities</li> </ul> <ul><li>Understand the underlying physics and chemistry in a range of polymer soft matter systems. </li><li>Demonstrate a broad knowledge of polymer soft matter systems.</li><li>Describe the types and the classifications of liquid and Polymer crystals.</li><li>Understand the thermodynamics of elastic chains and be familiar with the methods for the characterisation of networks.</li><li>Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of colloids and surfaces in biomaterials science.</li><li>Describe DLVO theory and use this to predict conditions where adsorption of proteins and bacteria by biomaterial surfaces will occur.</li><li>Demonstrate a broad knowledge of how polymeric materials are used</li><li>Knowledge of the applications and commercial limitations of soft polymer systems.</li><li>Describe the structure of liquid and polymer foams.</li><li>Describe the structure of biological cell membranes.</li></ul> <ul><li>Show improved logical reasoning, problem solving and ability in applied mathematics. </li><li>Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of polymeric network.</li><li>Explain the three mechanisms for the transport of substances through cell membranes.</li><li>Explain the difference between Wet and Dry liquid foams.</li><li>Explain the factors that influence the order parameters in polymer liquid crystals.</li><li>Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of self-assembly</li><li>Explain the relationships between the structure and properties of hydrogels.</li><li>Knowledge of the applications and commercial limitations of hydrogel systems.</li></ul> <ul> <li> Solve problems utilising appropriate methods.</li> <li> Assess results critically.</li> <li> Communicate results reliably and effectively.</li> <li> Compose simple technical reports on laboratory tests. </li></ul> This unit is delivered using a blended learning approach, which integrates technology and digital media with traditional classroom activities. A variety of learning and teaching processes will be used including: lectures, discussions, group activities and independent study. Canvas will be used to present online study materials, including videos, lecture notes, guided reading, articles and other information. Canvas will also be used for the submission of assessments. 1 Written exam 70% 2 Written assignment (inc essay) 30% Feedback given (Written and verbal). N Lecturers will provide this in their lectures.<o:p></o:p> Lectures 30 0 120