University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 2 | Credits: 5

As its name implies, soft matter science deals with materials that are easily deformed. These materials, which include polymers, gels, colloids, emulsions, foams, surfactant assemblies, liquid crystals, and many biological materials, have in common that they are organized on mesoscopic length scales, with structural features that are much larger than an atom, but much smaller than the overall size of the material. Soft condensed matter physics, which emerged as a distinct branch of physics in the 1990s, studies these systems. This module emphasises the generic features of soft condensed materials, and develops simple models to account for their behaviour. It will also look at how the principle of soft matter physics can give insight into biological problems. Teaching will be by lectures and tutorials . Regular problem exercises and tutorials will give students the chance to develop their theoretical understanding and problem solving skills
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Define soft condensed matter.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of phase behavior and phase transitions in soft matter.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of self-assembly.
  4. Discuss the physical properties and characterization of polymers and gels.
  5. Explain the physical basis of colloidal matter.
  6. Describe different experimental and theoretical methods for characterizing rheological properties of soft matter.
  7. Explain the physical basis of surface tension, capillarity and wetting phenomena.
  8. Demonstrate an understanding of Soft Condensed Matter conceptions in biological phenomena.
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (80%)
  • Continuous Assessment (20%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Soft Condensed Matter: 6 (Oxford Master Series in Physics)" by Richard A.L. Jones
    ISBN: 978-019850589.
    Publisher: OUP Oxford
The above information outlines module PH4108: "Soft Condensed Matter" and is valid from 2023 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.