Course info

Course Contents
The aim of this lecture is to provide a basic understanding of the so-called
?soft matter?. The lecture introduces the necessary concepts by discussing
important examples of soft matter.
In the accompanying seminar we will work out problems in order to deepen
the understanding of methods and concepts.

1. Elasticity, viscosity, viscoelasticity
2. Phase transitions (Melting and crystallisation, demixing)
3. Molecular order in condensed matter (crystals, liquids, glasses)
4. Experimental methods of structural investigation (X-ray and neutron scattering)
5. Liquid crystals (Phases and phase transitions)
6. Colloids (self-assemblyTypes, in particular microemulsions)
7. Polymers (Molecular constitution, liquid and solid state)

Literature
Strobl, Physik kondensierter Materie, Springer, 2002
Jones, Soft matter physics, Oxford 2002
Hamley, Introduction to Soft Matter, Wiley, 2000

Preconditions
Physics I-IV, basic course in solid state physics.