FY827: Liquid crystals from nanotechnology to topology
Study Board of Science
Teaching language: English
EKA: N510044102
Assessment: Second examiner: None
Grading: Pass/Fail
Offered in: Odense
Offered in: Spring
Level: Master
STADS ID (UVA): N510044101
ECTS value: 5
Date of Approval: 27-10-2021
Duration: 1 semester
Version: Approved - active
Entry requirements
Academic preconditions
Academic preconditions. Students taking the course are expected to:
- Be familiar with physics in the areas of: mechanics, fluid mechanics, statistical physics
- Be able to use calculus, vectors and differential equations
- Be able to analyze and use mathematical models based on physical laws
- Have already encountered and read scientific papers
- Be able to prepare a professional presentation and report
Course introduction
The course provides an introduction to liquid crystals, a key area in the field of soft condensed matter, and gives an overview of the challenges and the most current research in this area. The course also utilizes liquid crystals to discuss more broadly the role of topological defects in physics.
The course builds on the knowledge acquired in courses that include statistical physics and physics of fluids, and gives an academic basis for studying this important topic in soft matter, strongly connected to the fields of nanotechnology, chemistry, material sciences and biophysics.
In relation to the profile of the degree it is the explicit focus of the course to lead the students to:
- Acquire knowledge of basic theoretical concepts and experimental methods based on research at the highest international level within the physical subject area
- Think critically about published research results and scientific models
- Be able to disseminate research-based knowledge and discuss professional and scientific issues with peers
Expected learning outcome
The learning objective of the course is that the student demonstrates the ability to:
- Identify liquid crystal phases and textures and explain their main features
- Describe the main features of liquid crystal displays
- Classify and identify topological defects in various liquid crystal phases
- Apply relevant models / theories to solve advanced physics problems
- Derive conclusions through interpretation of data in published papers or in laboratory demos
- Identify and describe the technological challenges associated with liquid crystals
- Read critically and present scientific papers in oral or written form, identifying its main results
Content
The following main topics are contained in the course:
- Liquid crystal phases: definition, classification
- Liquid crystal phase transition and models: Landau-de Gennes model, Onsager theory, Maier-Saupe theory
- Experimental methods for liquid crystals: microscopy, spectroscopy, rheology
- Liquid crystal displays and Freedericz transition
- Topological defects classification; introduction to homotopy
- New technologies based on liquid crystals
- Introduction to active liquid crystals
Literature
Examination regulations
Exam element a)
Timing
Spring
Tests
Portfolio exam with presentation and report.
EKA
N510044102
Assessment
Second examiner: None
Grading
Pass/Fail
Identification
Full name and SDU username
Language
Normally, the same as teaching language
Examination aids
Allowed, a closer description of the exam rules will be posted i itslearning.
ECTS value
5
Additional information
Portfolio exam consisting of : Presentation and report. The students are required to give an in-class presentation, alone or in pairs, based on a current paper on a topic closely related to the topic of the course (a list will be provided), and to write a short essay on another topic of their choice related to the class (a list will be provided).
Indicative number of lessons
Teaching Method
At the faculty of science, teaching is organized after the three-phase model ie. intro, training and study phase.
- Intro phase: 25 hours (lectures)
- Skills training phase: 20 hours, including in-class problems, experimental demos and students' presentations and discussions.
Activities during the study phase:
- Solving assigned problems with self-assessment
- Preparing presentation and final report
- Self study of various parts of the course material through books and notes.
- Reflection upon the intro and training sections.
Teacher responsible
Timetable
Administrative Unit
Team at Educational Law & Registration
Offered in
Recommended course of study
Transition rules
Transitional arrangements describe how a course replaces another course when changes are made to the course of study.
If a transitional arrangement has been made for a course, it will be stated in the list.
See transitional arrangements for all courses at the Faculty of Science.