Not offered 2007-2008
CHEM 332 Materials Science: The Chemistry and Physics of Materials (Same as Physics 332) (Q)
Materials Science is a broad study of the physical properties of substances, such as hardness, elasticity, electrical conductivity, and optical properties. This course investigates the relationship between microscopic structure and macroscopic properties of polymers (plastics, elastomers, liquid crystals), electronic materials (semiconductors, conducting polymers, and superconductors) and solids (metals, magnets, ceramics, minerals, and glasses). We approach these topics from both physical and chemical perspectives, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the field. For instance, we explore how the underlying structure of materials arises from quantum mechanics and how temperature determines collective response properties such as elasticity or conductivity. This course also studies the design of new materials and their synthesis at the molecular level.
Format: lecture, three hours per week. Evaluation will be based on weekly problem sets, reviews of research articles, a midterm exam, a final exam, and a final paper, all of which have a significant quantitative component.
Prerequisites: one year of introductory Chemistry (151 or 153 or 155 and 156), one year of introductory Physics (131,132 or 141,142), and one 200-level course in either Chemistry or Physics; or permission of instructors. No enrollment limit (expected: 20).