MATERIALS AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
Corso di laurea magistrale
Piano di Studi
Curricula:
NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
Primo anno
Computational Materials Science (6 cfu)
- Quantum mechanical approaches, Density Functional Theory, many-body approaches. Multiscale approaches: quantum mechanics, molecular mechanics, coarse graining, polarizable continua. Electronic properties. Excited electronic states and UV-vis spectroscopy.
Vibrations, IR and Raman spectroscopy. Dynamicaleffects.
- Quantum mechanical approaches, Density Functional Theory, many-body approaches. Multiscale approaches: quantum mechanics, molecular mechanics, coarse graining, polarizable continua. Electronic properties. Excited electronic states and UV-vis spectroscopy.
Mechanical Behaviour of Materials (6 cfu)
- This course will examine how the microstructure of a material determines its mechanical behaviour ranging from the continuum description of properties to the atomistic and molecular mechanisms that confer those properties to all materials. We will cover elastic and plastic deformation, creep, fracture and fatigue of materials including crystalline and amorphous metals, semiconductors, ceramics, and (bio)polymers, and will focus on the design and processing of materials from the atomic to the macroscale to achieve desired mechanical behavior.
Topics include:
• Introduction to deformation behaviour: Concept of stresses and strains, engineering stresses and strains, Different types of loading and temperature encountered in applications, Tensile Test - stress-strain response for metal, ceramic and polymer, elastic region, yield point, plastic deformation, necking and fracture, Bonding and Material Behaviour, theoretical estimates of yield strength in metals and ceramics.
• Elasticity (the State of Stress and strain, stress and strain tensor, tensor transformation, principal stress and strain, elastic stress-strain relation, anisotropy, elastic behaviour of metals, ceramics and polymers.).
• Viscoelasticity (Molecular foundations of polymer viscoelasticity. Rouse-Bueche theory, Boltzmann superposition principle, mechanical models, distribution of relaxation and retardation times, interrelationships between mechanical spectra, the glass transition, secondary relaxations, dielectric relaxations).
• Plasticity (Hydrostatic and Deviatoric stress, Octahedral stress, yield criteria and yield surface, texture and distortion of yield surface, Limitation of engineering strain at large deformation, true stress and true strain, effective stress, effective strain, flow rules, strain hardening, Ramberg-Osgood equation, stress -strain relation in plasticity, plastic deformation of metals and polymers).
• Microscopic view of plastic deformation: crystals and defects, classification of defects, thermodynamics of defects, geometry of dislocations, slip and glide, dislocation generation - Frank Read and grain boundary sources, stress and strain field around dislocations, force on dislocation - self-stress, dislocation interactions, partial dislocations, twinning, dislocation movement and strain rate, deformation behavior of single crystal, critical resolved shear stress (CRSS), deformation of poly-crystals - Hall-Petch and other hardening mechanisms, grain size effect - source limited plasticity, Hall-Petch breakdown, dislocations in ceramics and glasses.
• Effects of microstructure on the mechanics of polymeric media: deformation modes, yield, rubber toughening, alloys and blends.
• Fracture mechanics (energetics of fracture growth, plasticity at the fracture tip, measurement of fracture toughness, - Linear fracture mechanics -KIC, elasto-plastic fracture mechanics - JIC, Measurement and ASTM standards, Design based on fracture mechanics, effect of environment, effect of microstructure on KIC and JIC, application of fracture mechanics in the design of metals, ceramics, polymers and composites, damage tolerance design, elements of fractography).
• Fatigue (S-N curves, low- and high-cycle fatigue, laboratory testing in fatigue, residual stress, surface and environmental effects, fatigue of cracked components, designing out fatigue failure,Life cycle prediction, Fatigue in metals, ceramics, polymers and composites)
• Creep in crystalline materials (stress-strain-time relationship, creep testing, different stages of creep, creep mechanisms and creep mechanism maps, diffusion, creep and stress rupture, creep under multi-axial loading,microstructural aspects of creep and design of creep resistant alloys, high temperature deformation of ceramics and polymers)
- This course will examine how the microstructure of a material determines its mechanical behaviour ranging from the continuum description of properties to the atomistic and molecular mechanisms that confer those properties to all materials. We will cover elastic and plastic deformation, creep, fracture and fatigue of materials including crystalline and amorphous metals, semiconductors, ceramics, and (bio)polymers, and will focus on the design and processing of materials from the atomic to the macroscale to achieve desired mechanical behavior.
Nanostructured Materials (9 cfu)
- Synthesis and fabrication techniques of nanostructured materials. Morphological, electronic, chemical, compositional, structural and optical properties of semiconductor and carbon-based nanostructures; characterization techniques.
- Synthesis and fabrication techniques of nanostructured materials. Morphological, electronic, chemical, compositional, structural and optical properties of semiconductor and carbon-based nanostructures; characterization techniques.
6 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR2: per Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
- UNo a scelta tra: Chemistry of Soft Matter, Solid State Physicochemical Methods, Solid State NMR Spectroscopy in Pharmaceutical and Material Science
Solid State Physicochemical Methods (6 cfu)
- This course deals with subjects of molecular spectroscopy which have a fundamental importance for the characterization of materials. Its aim consists in giving to the students a basis concerning the physicochemical aspects of the most important spectroscopic techniques, as well as an overview of their possible applications.
Course outline
The following aspects will be treated:
Basics of molecular spectroscopy: the electromagnetic spectrum, electromagnetic radiations and their interaction with molecules (absorption, emission, scattering), energy levels and different types of transitions, etc.
Hints on several bulk spectroscopic techniques: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, Mossbauer, etc.
Solid state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: the nuclear spin, nuclear interactions, basics theory, peculiarities of the solid state, different techniques and their applications to the study of structure and dynamics of different classes of materials.
Physico-chemical methods for the study of the surfaces of materials will also be treated, as for instance Raman scattering and photoelectronic spectroscopies.
- This course deals with subjects of molecular spectroscopy which have a fundamental importance for the characterization of materials. Its aim consists in giving to the students a basis concerning the physicochemical aspects of the most important spectroscopic techniques, as well as an overview of their possible applications.
Course outline
The following aspects will be treated:
Basics of molecular spectroscopy: the electromagnetic spectrum, electromagnetic radiations and their interaction with molecules (absorption, emission, scattering), energy levels and different types of transitions, etc.
Hints on several bulk spectroscopic techniques: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, Mossbauer, etc.
Solid state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: the nuclear spin, nuclear interactions, basics theory, peculiarities of the solid state, different techniques and their applications to the study of structure and dynamics of different classes of materials.
Physico-chemical methods for the study of the surfaces of materials will also be treated, as for instance Raman scattering and photoelectronic spectroscopies.
Chemistry of Soft Matter (6 cfu)
- The course aims at:
-Understanding the general concepts of the chemistry of polymers, colloids and interfaces.
-Knowing key methods of polymerisation, and their applicability in soft matter.
-Explaining the polymeric properties, and the methods utilised to assess these properties.
-Explaining the relationships between polymer preparation, structure and properties.
-Describing the applications of polymers and understanding which polymers are suitable for which applications.
Course outline
Fundamentals of soft polymeric materials with special emphasis on the definition, classification, structure of monomers and polymers, their tacticity and molecular weight. Polymer chemistry (synthesis of polymers and the different mechanisms involved), polymer physics (the semi-crystalline state, the thermal transitions in polymers, structure-property relationships) and the mechanical behaviour of macromolecules are also described. Surface tension, adsorption and surface activity, micelle formation and colloids: examples and applications. General description of the importance of physical and chemical properties of soft matter as applied in advanced materials.
- The course aims at:
-Understanding the general concepts of the chemistry of polymers, colloids and interfaces.
-Knowing key methods of polymerisation, and their applicability in soft matter.
-Explaining the polymeric properties, and the methods utilised to assess these properties.
-Explaining the relationships between polymer preparation, structure and properties.
-Describing the applications of polymers and understanding which polymers are suitable for which applications.
Course outline
Fundamentals of soft polymeric materials with special emphasis on the definition, classification, structure of monomers and polymers, their tacticity and molecular weight. Polymer chemistry (synthesis of polymers and the different mechanisms involved), polymer physics (the semi-crystalline state, the thermal transitions in polymers, structure-property relationships) and the mechanical behaviour of macromolecules are also described. Surface tension, adsorption and surface activity, micelle formation and colloids: examples and applications. General description of the importance of physical and chemical properties of soft matter as applied in advanced materials.
Solid State NMR Spectroscopy in Pharmaceutical and Material Science (6 cfu)
- Basics of molecular spectroscopy: the electromagnetic spectrum, electromagnetic radiations and their interaction with molecules (absorption, emission, scattering), energy levels and different types of transitions, populations of the energy levels at the thermal equilibrium.
Brief overview of the different spectroscopic techniques: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, Optical, Raman, Photoelectronic, and Mossbauer spectroscopies.
Basic theory of NMR: the nuclear spin, nuclear interactions, relaxation times.
NMR applied to the solid state: peculiarities, comparison with solution state NMR, the role of anisotropies. 1D low- and high-resolution experiments, 2D separation and correlation techniques. Spin diffusion.
Applications of solid state NMR to the study of the structure and dynamics of several classes of materials: pharmaceuticals, porous materials, materials for energy, building, tyre industries, etc.
- Basics of molecular spectroscopy: the electromagnetic spectrum, electromagnetic radiations and their interaction with molecules (absorption, emission, scattering), energy levels and different types of transitions, populations of the energy levels at the thermal equilibrium.
Brief overview of the different spectroscopic techniques: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, Optical, Raman, Photoelectronic, and Mossbauer spectroscopies.
Basic theory of NMR: the nuclear spin, nuclear interactions, relaxation times.
NMR applied to the solid state: peculiarities, comparison with solution state NMR, the role of anisotropies. 1D low- and high-resolution experiments, 2D separation and correlation techniques. Spin diffusion.
Applications of solid state NMR to the study of the structure and dynamics of several classes of materials: pharmaceuticals, porous materials, materials for energy, building, tyre industries, etc.
12 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR4: per Advanced Materials e Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
- Uno a scelta tra: Electromagnetic Materials and Electron Devices, Spectroscopy of nanomaterials
Electromagnetic Materials and Electron Devices (12 cfu)
- Electromagnetic Materials
The course introduces the fundamental laws of electromagnetic fields, with the aim of devising electromagnetic properties of materials. The different configurations of the electromagnetic field propagating in various transmission lines are treated in details and then used for resorting to equivalent model representations of composite materials. Analysis of radiating structures and definition of parameters employed to characterize microwave devices are also addressed.
Electron Devices
The course covers the fundamental properties of the electron devices that represent the building blocks of modern electronic circuits and systems. After introducing the main concepts of electrical transport in semiconductors, the physics and the operation of the pn junction, the bipolar and the field effect transistors are treated in detail. Furthermore, we will discuss the effect of nanostructuring on the transport properties of materials and on device properties.
- Electromagnetic Materials
The course introduces the fundamental laws of electromagnetic fields, with the aim of devising electromagnetic properties of materials. The different configurations of the electromagnetic field propagating in various transmission lines are treated in details and then used for resorting to equivalent model representations of composite materials. Analysis of radiating structures and definition of parameters employed to characterize microwave devices are also addressed.
Electron Devices
The course covers the fundamental properties of the electron devices that represent the building blocks of modern electronic circuits and systems. After introducing the main concepts of electrical transport in semiconductors, the physics and the operation of the pn junction, the bipolar and the field effect transistors are treated in detail. Furthermore, we will discuss the effect of nanostructuring on the transport properties of materials and on device properties.
Spectroscopy of nanomaterials (12 cfu)
- Emission, scattering, absorption properties of confined nano systems; experimental techniques, sources, detectors, spectrometers; Fourier and Raman spectroscopy; magnetic resonance spectroscopy; plasmonics from surface and localized resonances; survey of nano photonics devices; linear and nonlinear optical spectroscopies; optical microscopy beyond the diffraction limit; atomic and electrostatic force microscopy and spectroscopy, scanning tunnelling microscopy.
- Emission, scattering, absorption properties of confined nano systems; experimental techniques, sources, detectors, spectrometers; Fourier and Raman spectroscopy; magnetic resonance spectroscopy; plasmonics from surface and localized resonances; survey of nano photonics devices; linear and nonlinear optical spectroscopies; optical microscopy beyond the diffraction limit; atomic and electrostatic force microscopy and spectroscopy, scanning tunnelling microscopy.
6 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR3: per Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
- Uno a scelta tra: Interaction of Electromagnetic Waves with Complex Media, Materials and Devices for Nanoscale Electronics, Photonics
6 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR5: per Nanoscience and nanotechnology
- Uno a scelta tra: Biomaterials, Fundamentals of material science and engineering
Fundamentals of materials science and engineering (6 cfu)
- 1. Mechanical tests
2. Crystalline structure at the solid state
3. State diagrams and metallic alloys
4. Polymers
5. Ceramics
6. Composites
7. Wood
8. Degradation phenomena
- 1. Mechanical tests
2. Crystalline structure at the solid state
3. State diagrams and metallic alloys
4. Polymers
5. Ceramics
6. Composites
7. Wood
8. Degradation phenomena
Biomaterials (6 cfu)
- This course of Biomaterials is designed to provide a general understanding of the multidisciplinary field of biomaterials, and to give a key focus on new products arising from nanotechnology. Specifically, it aims at developing in the attendants all the necessary skills as well as the fundamental theoretical and technical competences with the ultimate goal to have graduated students who can successfully interface with the multidisciplinary scenario of biomaterials-related products and technologies, both in industrial and research environments. The current and innovative applications of biomaterials will be evaluated to highlight the connections existing between material properties, function, biological responses and clinical applications. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of this topic, both teamwork and self-learning will be stimulated.
After the completion of the course, the students will be able to:
• Understand the interaction between biomaterials and biologic systems,
• Understand the fundamental principles of biomaterials and their properties,
• Know the advanced biofabrication techniques (from macro-to-nanoscale),
• Know the modern analytical and imaging techniques for characterization of biomaterials,
• Know the most important regulatory aspects for clinical translation,
• Demonstrate effective communication and teamwork skills through technical presentations and reports,
• Demonstrate capability of to understand the scientific literature.
Contents
Biocompatibility and material-cell/tissue/organ interactions. Classes of materials used in medicine (synthetic and biologic polymers, metals, ceramics, composites, graft tissues). Properties of materials (chemical, physical, mechanical, architectural, surface). Exploiting biomaterial properties for medical purposes. Advanced biofabrication techniques (nano and microfiber manufacturing, nanoparticle and nanotube synthesis). Techniques for biomaterials characterization. Biological testing of biomaterials. Application of materials in medicine, biology and artificial organs: tissue engineering, drug delivery, nanomedicine. Regulatory aspects involving biomaterial devices.
- This course of Biomaterials is designed to provide a general understanding of the multidisciplinary field of biomaterials, and to give a key focus on new products arising from nanotechnology. Specifically, it aims at developing in the attendants all the necessary skills as well as the fundamental theoretical and technical competences with the ultimate goal to have graduated students who can successfully interface with the multidisciplinary scenario of biomaterials-related products and technologies, both in industrial and research environments. The current and innovative applications of biomaterials will be evaluated to highlight the connections existing between material properties, function, biological responses and clinical applications. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of this topic, both teamwork and self-learning will be stimulated.
After the completion of the course, the students will be able to:
• Understand the interaction between biomaterials and biologic systems,
• Understand the fundamental principles of biomaterials and their properties,
• Know the advanced biofabrication techniques (from macro-to-nanoscale),
• Know the modern analytical and imaging techniques for characterization of biomaterials,
• Know the most important regulatory aspects for clinical translation,
• Demonstrate effective communication and teamwork skills through technical presentations and reports,
• Demonstrate capability of to understand the scientific literature.
Contents
Biocompatibility and material-cell/tissue/organ interactions. Classes of materials used in medicine (synthetic and biologic polymers, metals, ceramics, composites, graft tissues). Properties of materials (chemical, physical, mechanical, architectural, surface). Exploiting biomaterial properties for medical purposes. Advanced biofabrication techniques (nano and microfiber manufacturing, nanoparticle and nanotube synthesis). Techniques for biomaterials characterization. Biological testing of biomaterials. Application of materials in medicine, biology and artificial organs: tissue engineering, drug delivery, nanomedicine. Regulatory aspects involving biomaterial devices.
9 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR1 per Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
- uno a scelta tra: Physics of the Matter and Nanotechnology Lab, Quantum and condensed matter physics, Solid State Physics
Physics of the Matter and Nanotechnology Lab (9 cfu)
- Electromagnetic propagation in homogeneous media. Polarisation of an electromagnetic wave. Laws of reflection and refraction. Interference. Optical Fibres.
- Electromagnetic propagation in homogeneous media. Polarisation of an electromagnetic wave. Laws of reflection and refraction. Interference. Optical Fibres.
Quantum and condensed matter physics (9 cfu)
- Wave-particleduality and uncertaintyprinciple. Schroedingerequation. Onedimensionalmotion.
Hydrogen atom. Spin. Polyelectronic atoms. Atomic spectroscopy.
Hydrogen molecule. Polyatomic molecules. Rotations and vibrations of molecules. Molecular spectroscopy.
Thermal equilibrium and statistical distributions. Types of solids. Free electron model of metals. Phonons. Electronic energy bands and Bloch wavefunctions. Semiconductors. Transportproperties. Optical properties
- Wave-particleduality and uncertaintyprinciple. Schroedingerequation. Onedimensionalmotion.
Hydrogen atom. Spin. Polyelectronic atoms. Atomic spectroscopy.
Hydrogen molecule. Polyatomic molecules. Rotations and vibrations of molecules. Molecular spectroscopy.
Thermal equilibrium and statistical distributions. Types of solids. Free electron model of metals. Phonons. Electronic energy bands and Bloch wavefunctions. Semiconductors. Transportproperties. Optical properties
Solid State Physics (9 cfu)
- Electrons in a one dimensional periodic potential. Geometrical description of crystals: direct and reciprocal lattice. Electron gas. Electronic energy levels in solids. Lattice dynamics. Optical properties of semiconductors and insulators. Fundamentals of semiconductor physics.
- Electrons in a one dimensional periodic potential. Geometrical description of crystals: direct and reciprocal lattice. Electron gas. Electronic energy levels in solids. Lattice dynamics. Optical properties of semiconductors and insulators. Fundamentals of semiconductor physics.
Polymer Science and Engineering (6 cfu)
- Molecular structure of polymers: thermoplastics and thermosets, definitions and types. Polymer chain flexibility. Chain conformations in polymers. Review of classical and statistical thermodynamics, configuration and conformation of isolated polymer chains, the rotational isomeric state model, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of polymer solutions, scaling theory, single chain dynamics, scattering (light, x-ray, neutron).Rubber elasticity. Amorphous state and glass transition. Free volume theory &Tg. Crystalline state and crystallization.
Thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and thermomechanical analysis) is explained, together with brief description of instruments and data analysis. Characterization of orientation, morphology, superstructure in polymers using x-ray, light scattering, birefringence, dichroism. Crystallography, unit cell determination. Spectroscopy theory. UV-Visible Spectroscopy. Infra-Red Spectroscopy. NMR spectroscopy.
Definitions of Polymer Processing. Extrusion lines. Injection molding processes. Blow molding Processes. Application of Rheology in Polymer Processing: Simple die and injection mold design. Screw types and definitions. Screw design: metering zone. Isothermal and adiabatic extrusion equations.
- Molecular structure of polymers: thermoplastics and thermosets, definitions and types. Polymer chain flexibility. Chain conformations in polymers. Review of classical and statistical thermodynamics, configuration and conformation of isolated polymer chains, the rotational isomeric state model, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of polymer solutions, scaling theory, single chain dynamics, scattering (light, x-ray, neutron).Rubber elasticity. Amorphous state and glass transition. Free volume theory &Tg. Crystalline state and crystallization.
Final examination (15 cfu)
Tirocinio (15 cfu)
12 cfu a scelta nel gruppo LIBERA SCELTA: Attività a libera scelta per Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
- 12 cfu a scelta tra gli esami indicati e gli esami degli altri indirizzi
Rheology (6 cfu)
- The course aims to provide students with the knowledge aimed at understanding the rheology and its basic experiments.
The course includes the acquisition of the following main skills:
1. awareness of the importance of rheology in scientific research, in industrial applications and in life, including daily activities;
2. phenomenological knowledge of the main rheological behaviors of the materials: viscosity and its dependence in Non-Newtonian liquids, viscoelasticity, normal stresses, extensional viscosity
3. recognition of the rheological behavior of different materials: polymers, gels, suspensions
4. application of the main rheological models;
5. knowledge of the experimental methods of rheological survey and main instrumentation;
6. mathematical tensor treatment of rheology and introduction to advanced rheological theories.
- The course aims to provide students with the knowledge aimed at understanding the rheology and its basic experiments.
The course includes the acquisition of the following main skills:
1. awareness of the importance of rheology in scientific research, in industrial applications and in life, including daily activities;
2. phenomenological knowledge of the main rheological behaviors of the materials: viscosity and its dependence in Non-Newtonian liquids, viscoelasticity, normal stresses, extensional viscosity
3. recognition of the rheological behavior of different materials: polymers, gels, suspensions
4. application of the main rheological models;
5. knowledge of the experimental methods of rheological survey and main instrumentation;
6. mathematical tensor treatment of rheology and introduction to advanced rheological theories.
Disordered and off-Equilibrium Systems (6 cfu)
- 1. Non-periodical long range positional order: quasi-crystals
2. Disorder in long range positional atomic systems (cellular disorder)
3. Disorder in atomic systems without long range interactions (topological disorder)
4. Disorder in polymeric systems
5. Supercooled metastable states and glass transition in liquids
6. Elements of non-equilibrium thermodynamics
7. Polymeric chain dynamics
8. Non-equilibrium states in active matter
9. Scattering from disordered systems: generalities
10. Photon scattering (X-rays and light)
11. Neutron scattering
- 1. Non-periodical long range positional order: quasi-crystals
2. Disorder in long range positional atomic systems (cellular disorder)
3. Disorder in atomic systems without long range interactions (topological disorder)
4. Disorder in polymeric systems
5. Supercooled metastable states and glass transition in liquids
6. Elements of non-equilibrium thermodynamics
7. Polymeric chain dynamics
8. Non-equilibrium states in active matter
9. Scattering from disordered systems: generalities
10. Photon scattering (X-rays and light)
11. Neutron scattering
Nanomedicine and Regenerative Medicine (6 cfu)
Nanostructured Inorganic Systems (3 cfu)
- The course covers the preparation of nanomaterials via colloidal chemistry methods, from the basics to the state of the art, including complex, multifunctional nano-heterostructures.
Fundamental properties of plasmonic and magnetic colloidal nanomaterials are discussed,
together with current and future applications.
- The course covers the preparation of nanomaterials via colloidal chemistry methods, from the basics to the state of the art, including complex, multifunctional nano-heterostructures.
Fundamental properties of plasmonic and magnetic colloidal nanomaterials are discussed,
together with current and future applications.
Manufacturing of polymers and nanocomposites for biomedical application (3 cfu)
- Basics of micro- and nano-manufacturing: Micro- and nanomanufacturing concepts for biomaterials and biomedical devices. Exposure-based lithographies. Photolithography, electron beam methods, lift-off. Two-photon lithography. Soft lithography. Nanoimprint lithography.
Microfluidics: capillary force lithography, Micromolding in capillaries, Applications in microfluidics, Surface functionalization, Organ-on-chip building
Additive Manufacturing: Spinning technologies, 3D Printing, 4D Printing
- Basics of micro- and nano-manufacturing: Micro- and nanomanufacturing concepts for biomaterials and biomedical devices. Exposure-based lithographies. Photolithography, electron beam methods, lift-off. Two-photon lithography. Soft lithography. Nanoimprint lithography.
Microfluidics: capillary force lithography, Micromolding in capillaries, Applications in microfluidics, Surface functionalization, Organ-on-chip building
Additive Manufacturing: Spinning technologies, 3D Printing, 4D Printing
Physics of Bio-systems (9 cfu)
- The course will focus on the physics relevant for active matter, starting from the understanding of the mechanisms regulating the processes in "model" biological systems to get to the characterization of "bio-inspired" systems and biomimetic materials, introducing new models and approaches of strong relevance in materials science.
Attention will be given to structures, symmetries, molecular interactions, self-assembly processes, mechanical and mechano-sensitive properties of biological systems relevant in the development of innovative actuators and materials.
The most recent imaging techniques in the field of fluorescence and super-resolution optical microscopy will be covered, along with their applications to the study of processes and of the molecular interactions in relevant biological systems.
- The course will focus on the physics relevant for active matter, starting from the understanding of the mechanisms regulating the processes in "model" biological systems to get to the characterization of "bio-inspired" systems and biomimetic materials, introducing new models and approaches of strong relevance in materials science.
Attention will be given to structures, symmetries, molecular interactions, self-assembly processes, mechanical and mechano-sensitive properties of biological systems relevant in the development of innovative actuators and materials.
The most recent imaging techniques in the field of fluorescence and super-resolution optical microscopy will be covered, along with their applications to the study of processes and of the molecular interactions in relevant biological systems.
Biofluids and materials Interactions (3 cfu)
- 1) Biocompatibility & Hemocompatibility
2) Body fluids & transport phenomena
3) In vitro biofluids
4) Polymer biodegradation & surface coatings
5) Drug Delivery Systems (DDS)
6) (Bio)material/biofluid interactions
7) Metals & corrosion in body fluids
8) Bioreactors, microfluidics & organs-on-chip
9) Body fluid diagnostics using material
- 1) Biocompatibility & Hemocompatibility
2) Body fluids & transport phenomena
3) In vitro biofluids
4) Polymer biodegradation & surface coatings
5) Drug Delivery Systems (DDS)
6) (Bio)material/biofluid interactions
7) Metals & corrosion in body fluids
8) Bioreactors, microfluidics & organs-on-chip
9) Body fluid diagnostics using material
Glass Transition (3 cfu)
- 1. Phenomenology of glass transitions
2. Deformation in viscoelastic systems and temperature dependence
3. Structural relaxation and correlation with vibrational dynamics
4. Fundamentals of phase transitions, ideal glass transitions
5. Amorphous and semi-crystalline polymers
6. Entropy and elasticity in high flexibility polymers
7. Flory derivation for head-tail distance in polymers
- 1. Phenomenology of glass transitions
2. Deformation in viscoelastic systems and temperature dependence
3. Structural relaxation and correlation with vibrational dynamics
4. Fundamentals of phase transitions, ideal glass transitions
5. Amorphous and semi-crystalline polymers
6. Entropy and elasticity in high flexibility polymers
7. Flory derivation for head-tail distance in polymers
6 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR7: per Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
- Uno a scelta tra:Electron Microscopy of Nanomaterials, Fundamentals of biophysics at the nanoscale, Principles of Microfluidics
Electron Microscopy of Nanomaterials (6 cfu)
- 1. Introduction to SEM imaging
2. Microanalysis and EDS mapping
3. Interaction of electron with matter
4. Basics of crystallography
5. Basic TEM operation
6. Electron diffraction
7. Imaging and image theory
8. Electron crystallography
9. TEM, STEM, EELS, EDS in a TEM
- 1. Introduction to SEM imaging
2. Microanalysis and EDS mapping
3. Interaction of electron with matter
4. Basics of crystallography
5. Basic TEM operation
6. Electron diffraction
7. Imaging and image theory
8. Electron crystallography
9. TEM, STEM, EELS, EDS in a TEM
Fundamentals of biophysics at the nanoscale (6 cfu)
- 1. Measurements in microscopy and spectroscopy:
Noise in measurements, experimental uncertainties, basics of probability distributions, propagation of uncertainties. Transmission, reflection and epifluorescence microscopy. Magnification and resolution; contrast techniques; spherical and chromatic aberrations; hints on optical filters and dichroics.
Confocal microscopy: set-up, point spread function, hints on deconvolution, comparison with TIRF and 2-photon microscopy. Light-matter interaction: fundamentals (also quantum mechanics) and setups for absorption, fluorescence, Raman, and multiphoton excitation. Jablonski diagrams and properties of fluorescence. Organic dyes: chemical structures and exploitation in fluorescence microscopy.
Hints on fluorescent quantum dots. Fluorescent proteins, GFP family. Diffusion and Brownian motion. Techniques in fluorescence microscopy: colocalization, FRAP-like techniques, FRET, FLIM (fundamentals, instruments, phasors), FCS, super-resolution (RESOLFT, STED, F-PALM, SIM), single molecule spectroscopy and tracking.
2. Basis of molecular and cellular biology:
Introduction to the structure of biological molecule. Fluorescent proteins and their photophysics. Prokaryotes vs eukaryotes. General organization of the eukaryotic cell. Cytoplasm: membrane structure and transport, intracellular compartments, cytoskeleton, cell signalling. The nucleus: chromosomal DNA and its organization, the Nuclear Pore Complex and nucleus-cytoplasmic transport. Cell cycle and cell division. Cell death.
- 1. Measurements in microscopy and spectroscopy:
Noise in measurements, experimental uncertainties, basics of probability distributions, propagation of uncertainties. Transmission, reflection and epifluorescence microscopy. Magnification and resolution; contrast techniques; spherical and chromatic aberrations; hints on optical filters and dichroics.
Confocal microscopy: set-up, point spread function, hints on deconvolution, comparison with TIRF and 2-photon microscopy. Light-matter interaction: fundamentals (also quantum mechanics) and setups for absorption, fluorescence, Raman, and multiphoton excitation. Jablonski diagrams and properties of fluorescence. Organic dyes: chemical structures and exploitation in fluorescence microscopy.
Hints on fluorescent quantum dots. Fluorescent proteins, GFP family. Diffusion and Brownian motion. Techniques in fluorescence microscopy: colocalization, FRAP-like techniques, FRET, FLIM (fundamentals, instruments, phasors), FCS, super-resolution (RESOLFT, STED, F-PALM, SIM), single molecule spectroscopy and tracking.
2. Basis of molecular and cellular biology:
Introduction to the structure of biological molecule. Fluorescent proteins and their photophysics. Prokaryotes vs eukaryotes. General organization of the eukaryotic cell. Cytoplasm: membrane structure and transport, intracellular compartments, cytoskeleton, cell signalling. The nucleus: chromosomal DNA and its organization, the Nuclear Pore Complex and nucleus-cytoplasmic transport. Cell cycle and cell division. Cell death.
Principles of Microfluidics (6 cfu)
- 1. Fundamentals of fluid mechanics: newtonian fluids, Navier-Stokes equations; analysis of the flow in various regimes: inertial flows, irrotational flows, low-Reynolds-number (creeping) flows; boundary conditions.
2. Physical chemistry of surfaces: interfacial phenomena, capillarity; micro/nano particles in fluids: electrical interfaces in electrolyte solutions, electrical double layer, colloidal dispersions, micro-emulsions.
3. Fluid flows in confined geometries: flows in micro-pores; electro-osmotic flows; diffusio-osmotic flows; capillary flows, coating flows. Low-Reynolds-number flows of micro-particles (or micro-drops o micro-bubbles ) in fluids; micro-break-up of liquid jets, sprays; electrophoresis, diffusiophoresis, liquid flows driven by surface tension. Aggregation dynamics of colloidal particles with or without shear-flow: I e II Smoluchowski’s theory.
- 1. Fundamentals of fluid mechanics: newtonian fluids, Navier-Stokes equations; analysis of the flow in various regimes: inertial flows, irrotational flows, low-Reynolds-number (creeping) flows; boundary conditions.
2. Physical chemistry of surfaces: interfacial phenomena, capillarity; micro/nano particles in fluids: electrical interfaces in electrolyte solutions, electrical double layer, colloidal dispersions, micro-emulsions.
3. Fluid flows in confined geometries: flows in micro-pores; electro-osmotic flows; diffusio-osmotic flows; capillary flows, coating flows. Low-Reynolds-number flows of micro-particles (or micro-drops o micro-bubbles ) in fluids; micro-break-up of liquid jets, sprays; electrophoresis, diffusiophoresis, liquid flows driven by surface tension. Aggregation dynamics of colloidal particles with or without shear-flow: I e II Smoluchowski’s theory.
6 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR6: per Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
- Uno a scelta tra: Introduction to Molecular Biophysics, Cell Biophysics, Quantum Liquids, Quantum Theory of Solids, Computational Nanoelectronics and Metamaterials, Medical Imaging and Biosensors (ionising and non-ionising)
Quantum Theory of Solids (6 cfu)
- Electronic states in solids: the approximation to an electron and its overcoming. Excitons, plasmons and screen dielectric crystals. Born- Oppenheimer approximation. Hellmann - Feynman theorem and its application to the calculation of forces on the nuclei. Phase definition of Berry. Superconductivity.
- Electronic states in solids: the approximation to an electron and its overcoming. Excitons, plasmons and screen dielectric crystals. Born- Oppenheimer approximation. Hellmann - Feynman theorem and its application to the calculation of forces on the nuclei. Phase definition of Berry. Superconductivity.
Quantum Liquids (6 cfu)
- The course is aimed to accompany the student to delevop conceptual, procedural and factual knowledge in the physics of systems with many interacting (quantum) particles, where tuning of temperature, dimensionality and interaction strength may establish conditions for strong correlations in charge/density and spin properties.
- The course is aimed to accompany the student to delevop conceptual, procedural and factual knowledge in the physics of systems with many interacting (quantum) particles, where tuning of temperature, dimensionality and interaction strength may establish conditions for strong correlations in charge/density and spin properties.
Fundamentals of polymer processing (9 cfu)
- Overview on polymers features: General properties, macromolecular structure, molecular weight, arrangement of polymer molecules, Copolymer and Blends, Polymer additives
Melt Rheology - Newton's law - Types of fluids - Analytical models for viscosity - Isothermal flow in channels with circular or rectangular section - Rheometry
Overview and description of the main polymer processes: Extrusion (single screw and twin-screw)
Twin-screw extrusion in-depth: applications of polymer blends and composites
Injection Molding - Additive Manifacturing - Fiber spinning
Blow Molding - Thermoforming; Calendering - Compression Molding - foaming - Rotational molding - Welding
Transport Phenomena in Polymer Processing: Dimensional Analysis and Scaling
Transport Phenomena: Balance Equations & Model Simplification
Transport phenomena: Simple Models in Polymer Processing
Transport Phenomena: Mechanics of Particulate Solids
Modeling of Single Screw extruder: zones, dies, mixing end constitutive equations
Modeling of Twin-Screw Extruder: screw elements, barrel elements, design, of screw configuration,
Lab experiences on Minilab rectangular section rheometer - Melt flow tester - Twin-screw extrusion - Injection Molding - Tensile tests - Charpy, HDT and Trouser tear tests
LUDOVIC Software Simulation - Screw design - Product & Process definition - DOE analysis - Case Studies
- Overview on polymers features: General properties, macromolecular structure, molecular weight, arrangement of polymer molecules, Copolymer and Blends, Polymer additives
Mechanical Behaviour of Materials (6 cfu)
- This course will examine how the microstructure of a material determines its mechanical behaviour ranging from the continuum description of properties to the atomistic and molecular mechanisms that confer those properties to all materials. We will cover elastic and plastic deformation, creep, fracture and fatigue of materials including crystalline and amorphous metals, semiconductors, ceramics, and (bio)polymers, and will focus on the design and processing of materials from the atomic to the macroscale to achieve desired mechanical behavior.
Topics include:
• Introduction to deformation behaviour: Concept of stresses and strains, engineering stresses and strains, Different types of loading and temperature encountered in applications, Tensile Test - stress-strain response for metal, ceramic and polymer, elastic region, yield point, plastic deformation, necking and fracture, Bonding and Material Behaviour, theoretical estimates of yield strength in metals and ceramics.
• Elasticity (the State of Stress and strain, stress and strain tensor, tensor transformation, principal stress and strain, elastic stress-strain relation, anisotropy, elastic behaviour of metals, ceramics and polymers.).
• Viscoelasticity (Molecular foundations of polymer viscoelasticity. Rouse-Bueche theory, Boltzmann superposition principle, mechanical models, distribution of relaxation and retardation times, interrelationships between mechanical spectra, the glass transition, secondary relaxations, dielectric relaxations).
• Plasticity (Hydrostatic and Deviatoric stress, Octahedral stress, yield criteria and yield surface, texture and distortion of yield surface, Limitation of engineering strain at large deformation, true stress and true strain, effective stress, effective strain, flow rules, strain hardening, Ramberg-Osgood equation, stress -strain relation in plasticity, plastic deformation of metals and polymers).
• Microscopic view of plastic deformation: crystals and defects, classification of defects, thermodynamics of defects, geometry of dislocations, slip and glide, dislocation generation - Frank Read and grain boundary sources, stress and strain field around dislocations, force on dislocation - self-stress, dislocation interactions, partial dislocations, twinning, dislocation movement and strain rate, deformation behavior of single crystal, critical resolved shear stress (CRSS), deformation of poly-crystals - Hall-Petch and other hardening mechanisms, grain size effect - source limited plasticity, Hall-Petch breakdown, dislocations in ceramics and glasses.
• Effects of microstructure on the mechanics of polymeric media: deformation modes, yield, rubber toughening, alloys and blends.
• Fracture mechanics (energetics of fracture growth, plasticity at the fracture tip, measurement of fracture toughness, - Linear fracture mechanics -KIC, elasto-plastic fracture mechanics - JIC, Measurement and ASTM standards, Design based on fracture mechanics, effect of environment, effect of microstructure on KIC and JIC, application of fracture mechanics in the design of metals, ceramics, polymers and composites, damage tolerance design, elements of fractography).
• Fatigue (S-N curves, low- and high-cycle fatigue, laboratory testing in fatigue, residual stress, surface and environmental effects, fatigue of cracked components, designing out fatigue failure,Life cycle prediction, Fatigue in metals, ceramics, polymers and composites)
• Creep in crystalline materials (stress-strain-time relationship, creep testing, different stages of creep, creep mechanisms and creep mechanism maps, diffusion, creep and stress rupture, creep under multi-axial loading,microstructural aspects of creep and design of creep resistant alloys, high temperature deformation of ceramics and polymers)
- This course will examine how the microstructure of a material determines its mechanical behaviour ranging from the continuum description of properties to the atomistic and molecular mechanisms that confer those properties to all materials. We will cover elastic and plastic deformation, creep, fracture and fatigue of materials including crystalline and amorphous metals, semiconductors, ceramics, and (bio)polymers, and will focus on the design and processing of materials from the atomic to the macroscale to achieve desired mechanical behavior.
12 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR4: per Advanced Materials e Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
- Uno a scelta tra: Electromagnetic Materials and Electron Devices, Spectroscopy of nanomaterials
Electromagnetic Materials and Electron Devices (12 cfu)
- Electromagnetic Materials
The course introduces the fundamental laws of electromagnetic fields, with the aim of devising electromagnetic properties of materials. The different configurations of the electromagnetic field propagating in various transmission lines are treated in details and then used for resorting to equivalent model representations of composite materials. Analysis of radiating structures and definition of parameters employed to characterize microwave devices are also addressed.
Electron Devices
The course covers the fundamental properties of the electron devices that represent the building blocks of modern electronic circuits and systems. After introducing the main concepts of electrical transport in semiconductors, the physics and the operation of the pn junction, the bipolar and the field effect transistors are treated in detail. Furthermore, we will discuss the effect of nanostructuring on the transport properties of materials and on device properties.
- Electromagnetic Materials
The course introduces the fundamental laws of electromagnetic fields, with the aim of devising electromagnetic properties of materials. The different configurations of the electromagnetic field propagating in various transmission lines are treated in details and then used for resorting to equivalent model representations of composite materials. Analysis of radiating structures and definition of parameters employed to characterize microwave devices are also addressed.
Electron Devices
The course covers the fundamental properties of the electron devices that represent the building blocks of modern electronic circuits and systems. After introducing the main concepts of electrical transport in semiconductors, the physics and the operation of the pn junction, the bipolar and the field effect transistors are treated in detail. Furthermore, we will discuss the effect of nanostructuring on the transport properties of materials and on device properties.
Spectroscopy of nanomaterials (12 cfu)
- Emission, scattering, absorption properties of confined nano systems; experimental techniques, sources, detectors, spectrometers; Fourier and Raman spectroscopy; magnetic resonance spectroscopy; plasmonics from surface and localized resonances; survey of nano photonics devices; linear and nonlinear optical spectroscopies; optical microscopy beyond the diffraction limit; atomic and electrostatic force microscopy and spectroscopy, scanning tunnelling microscopy.
- Emission, scattering, absorption properties of confined nano systems; experimental techniques, sources, detectors, spectrometers; Fourier and Raman spectroscopy; magnetic resonance spectroscopy; plasmonics from surface and localized resonances; survey of nano photonics devices; linear and nonlinear optical spectroscopies; optical microscopy beyond the diffraction limit; atomic and electrostatic force microscopy and spectroscopy, scanning tunnelling microscopy.
9 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR1: per Advanced Materials
- Uno a sceta tra: Quantum and condensed matter physics e Solid State Physics
Quantum and condensed matter physics (9 cfu)
- Wave-particleduality and uncertaintyprinciple. Schroedingerequation. Onedimensionalmotion.
Hydrogen atom. Spin. Polyelectronic atoms. Atomic spectroscopy.
Hydrogen molecule. Polyatomic molecules. Rotations and vibrations of molecules. Molecular spectroscopy.
Thermal equilibrium and statistical distributions. Types of solids. Free electron model of metals. Phonons. Electronic energy bands and Bloch wavefunctions. Semiconductors. Transportproperties. Optical properties
- Wave-particleduality and uncertaintyprinciple. Schroedingerequation. Onedimensionalmotion.
Hydrogen atom. Spin. Polyelectronic atoms. Atomic spectroscopy.
Hydrogen molecule. Polyatomic molecules. Rotations and vibrations of molecules. Molecular spectroscopy.
Thermal equilibrium and statistical distributions. Types of solids. Free electron model of metals. Phonons. Electronic energy bands and Bloch wavefunctions. Semiconductors. Transportproperties. Optical properties
Solid State Physics (9 cfu)
- Electrons in a one dimensional periodic potential. Geometrical description of crystals: direct and reciprocal lattice. Electron gas. Electronic energy levels in solids. Lattice dynamics. Optical properties of semiconductors and insulators. Fundamentals of semiconductor physics.
- Electrons in a one dimensional periodic potential. Geometrical description of crystals: direct and reciprocal lattice. Electron gas. Electronic energy levels in solids. Lattice dynamics. Optical properties of semiconductors and insulators. Fundamentals of semiconductor physics.
12 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR2: per Advanced Materials
- Due a scelta tra: Chemistry of Soft Matter, Solid State Physicochemical Methods o Solid State NMR Spectroscopy in Pharmaceutical and Material Science
Solid State Physicochemical Methods (6 cfu)
- This course deals with subjects of molecular spectroscopy which have a fundamental importance for the characterization of materials. Its aim consists in giving to the students a basis concerning the physicochemical aspects of the most important spectroscopic techniques, as well as an overview of their possible applications.
Course outline
The following aspects will be treated:
Basics of molecular spectroscopy: the electromagnetic spectrum, electromagnetic radiations and their interaction with molecules (absorption, emission, scattering), energy levels and different types of transitions, etc.
Hints on several bulk spectroscopic techniques: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, Mossbauer, etc.
Solid state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: the nuclear spin, nuclear interactions, basics theory, peculiarities of the solid state, different techniques and their applications to the study of structure and dynamics of different classes of materials.
Physico-chemical methods for the study of the surfaces of materials will also be treated, as for instance Raman scattering and photoelectronic spectroscopies.
- This course deals with subjects of molecular spectroscopy which have a fundamental importance for the characterization of materials. Its aim consists in giving to the students a basis concerning the physicochemical aspects of the most important spectroscopic techniques, as well as an overview of their possible applications.
Course outline
The following aspects will be treated:
Basics of molecular spectroscopy: the electromagnetic spectrum, electromagnetic radiations and their interaction with molecules (absorption, emission, scattering), energy levels and different types of transitions, etc.
Hints on several bulk spectroscopic techniques: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, Mossbauer, etc.
Solid state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: the nuclear spin, nuclear interactions, basics theory, peculiarities of the solid state, different techniques and their applications to the study of structure and dynamics of different classes of materials.
Physico-chemical methods for the study of the surfaces of materials will also be treated, as for instance Raman scattering and photoelectronic spectroscopies.
Chemistry of Soft Matter (6 cfu)
- The course aims at:
-Understanding the general concepts of the chemistry of polymers, colloids and interfaces.
-Knowing key methods of polymerisation, and their applicability in soft matter.
-Explaining the polymeric properties, and the methods utilised to assess these properties.
-Explaining the relationships between polymer preparation, structure and properties.
-Describing the applications of polymers and understanding which polymers are suitable for which applications.
Course outline
Fundamentals of soft polymeric materials with special emphasis on the definition, classification, structure of monomers and polymers, their tacticity and molecular weight. Polymer chemistry (synthesis of polymers and the different mechanisms involved), polymer physics (the semi-crystalline state, the thermal transitions in polymers, structure-property relationships) and the mechanical behaviour of macromolecules are also described. Surface tension, adsorption and surface activity, micelle formation and colloids: examples and applications. General description of the importance of physical and chemical properties of soft matter as applied in advanced materials.
- The course aims at:
-Understanding the general concepts of the chemistry of polymers, colloids and interfaces.
-Knowing key methods of polymerisation, and their applicability in soft matter.
-Explaining the polymeric properties, and the methods utilised to assess these properties.
-Explaining the relationships between polymer preparation, structure and properties.
-Describing the applications of polymers and understanding which polymers are suitable for which applications.
Course outline
Fundamentals of soft polymeric materials with special emphasis on the definition, classification, structure of monomers and polymers, their tacticity and molecular weight. Polymer chemistry (synthesis of polymers and the different mechanisms involved), polymer physics (the semi-crystalline state, the thermal transitions in polymers, structure-property relationships) and the mechanical behaviour of macromolecules are also described. Surface tension, adsorption and surface activity, micelle formation and colloids: examples and applications. General description of the importance of physical and chemical properties of soft matter as applied in advanced materials.
Solid State NMR Spectroscopy in Pharmaceutical and Material Science (6 cfu)
- Basics of molecular spectroscopy: the electromagnetic spectrum, electromagnetic radiations and their interaction with molecules (absorption, emission, scattering), energy levels and different types of transitions, populations of the energy levels at the thermal equilibrium.
Brief overview of the different spectroscopic techniques: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, Optical, Raman, Photoelectronic, and Mossbauer spectroscopies.
Basic theory of NMR: the nuclear spin, nuclear interactions, relaxation times.
NMR applied to the solid state: peculiarities, comparison with solution state NMR, the role of anisotropies. 1D low- and high-resolution experiments, 2D separation and correlation techniques. Spin diffusion.
Applications of solid state NMR to the study of the structure and dynamics of several classes of materials: pharmaceuticals, porous materials, materials for energy, building, tyre industries, etc.
- Basics of molecular spectroscopy: the electromagnetic spectrum, electromagnetic radiations and their interaction with molecules (absorption, emission, scattering), energy levels and different types of transitions, populations of the energy levels at the thermal equilibrium.
Brief overview of the different spectroscopic techniques: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, Optical, Raman, Photoelectronic, and Mossbauer spectroscopies.
Basic theory of NMR: the nuclear spin, nuclear interactions, relaxation times.
NMR applied to the solid state: peculiarities, comparison with solution state NMR, the role of anisotropies. 1D low- and high-resolution experiments, 2D separation and correlation techniques. Spin diffusion.
Applications of solid state NMR to the study of the structure and dynamics of several classes of materials: pharmaceuticals, porous materials, materials for energy, building, tyre industries, etc.
12 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR3: per Advanced Materials
- Due a scelta tra: Computational mechanics of materials, Fundamentals of material science and engineering, Principles of Microfluidics, Transport Phenomena in Materials, Computational Materials Science
Fundamentals of materials science and engineering (6 cfu)
- 1. Mechanical tests
2. Crystalline structure at the solid state
3. State diagrams and metallic alloys
4. Polymers
5. Ceramics
6. Composites
7. Wood
8. Degradation phenomena
- 1. Mechanical tests
2. Crystalline structure at the solid state
3. State diagrams and metallic alloys
4. Polymers
5. Ceramics
6. Composites
7. Wood
8. Degradation phenomena
Computational mechanics of materials (6 cfu)
- By the end of the course, students will learn the theoretical fundamentals of the finite element method for the analysis of the linear and non-linear mechanical responses of materials. They will be able to apply the finite element method to solve practical problems in the mechanics of materials. In particular, they will be able to choose the most appropriate modelling approaches, types of elements, levels of discretisation, etc., as well as the most suitable solution methods; besides, they will be able to analyse critically the obtained results.
- By the end of the course, students will learn the theoretical fundamentals of the finite element method for the analysis of the linear and non-linear mechanical responses of materials. They will be able to apply the finite element method to solve practical problems in the mechanics of materials. In particular, they will be able to choose the most appropriate modelling approaches, types of elements, levels of discretisation, etc., as well as the most suitable solution methods; besides, they will be able to analyse critically the obtained results.
Transport Phenomena in Materials (6 cfu)
- This course deals with the fundamentals of transport of energy, mass, species and momentum according to a mesoscale continuum perspective, seeking for unification of the different transport mechanisms. Topics covered include: convective and diffusive transport modes, heat conduction in solids, steady-state and transient solutions of diffusion equations in different geometries, heat and mass transfer coefficients, principles of fluid flow, coupling of transport mechanisms and reactions.
Course outline:
1. Introduction and maths review: Local equilibrium, definition of convective and diffusive fluxes, materials transport properties, dimensionless numbers (Reynolds, Prandtl, Schmidt, Peclet, etc), origin of diffusive equations & random walk, tensor notation and operators.
2. Microscopic governing equations: Derivation of microscopic balance equations (general, mass, species, internal energy, momentum), Eulerian and Lagrangian approaches.
3. Heat conduction: Governing equation and boundary conditions, Newton law of cooling, Biot and Nusselt numbers, unidirectional heat conduction (linear, cylindrical and spherical coordinates), effective thermal conductive of composite materials, heat conduction with heat source, time-dependent heat conduction (step and pulse responses).
4. Material transport: Species fluxes and velocities, convection vs diffusion, mass vs molar basis, constitutive equations of diffusion (Fick law), balance equations and boundary conditions, diffusion in a stagnant film, effective mass transport coefficient, Sherwood number, diffusion with heterogeneous and homogeneous reactions, multi-component diffusion.
5. Basics of momentum transport: Laminar and turbulent flows, velocity profiles in a pipe, non-Newtonian fluids, flow in porous media, Knudsen effects.
6. Numerical methods for transport equations: Use of codes and software with illustrative applications to material science (isotope exchange, backing of a ceramic brick).
- This course deals with the fundamentals of transport of energy, mass, species and momentum according to a mesoscale continuum perspective, seeking for unification of the different transport mechanisms. Topics covered include: convective and diffusive transport modes, heat conduction in solids, steady-state and transient solutions of diffusion equations in different geometries, heat and mass transfer coefficients, principles of fluid flow, coupling of transport mechanisms and reactions.
Course outline:
1. Introduction and maths review: Local equilibrium, definition of convective and diffusive fluxes, materials transport properties, dimensionless numbers (Reynolds, Prandtl, Schmidt, Peclet, etc), origin of diffusive equations & random walk, tensor notation and operators.
2. Microscopic governing equations: Derivation of microscopic balance equations (general, mass, species, internal energy, momentum), Eulerian and Lagrangian approaches.
3. Heat conduction: Governing equation and boundary conditions, Newton law of cooling, Biot and Nusselt numbers, unidirectional heat conduction (linear, cylindrical and spherical coordinates), effective thermal conductive of composite materials, heat conduction with heat source, time-dependent heat conduction (step and pulse responses).
4. Material transport: Species fluxes and velocities, convection vs diffusion, mass vs molar basis, constitutive equations of diffusion (Fick law), balance equations and boundary conditions, diffusion in a stagnant film, effective mass transport coefficient, Sherwood number, diffusion with heterogeneous and homogeneous reactions, multi-component diffusion.
5. Basics of momentum transport: Laminar and turbulent flows, velocity profiles in a pipe, non-Newtonian fluids, flow in porous media, Knudsen effects.
6. Numerical methods for transport equations: Use of codes and software with illustrative applications to material science (isotope exchange, backing of a ceramic brick).
Computational Materials Science (6 cfu)
- Quantum mechanical approaches, Density Functional Theory, many-body approaches. Multiscale approaches: quantum mechanics, molecular mechanics, coarse graining, polarizable continua. Electronic properties. Excited electronic states and UV-vis spectroscopy.
Vibrations, IR and Raman spectroscopy. Dynamicaleffects.
- Quantum mechanical approaches, Density Functional Theory, many-body approaches. Multiscale approaches: quantum mechanics, molecular mechanics, coarse graining, polarizable continua. Electronic properties. Excited electronic states and UV-vis spectroscopy.
Vibrations, IR and Raman spectroscopy. Dynamicaleffects.
Principles of Microfluidics (6 cfu)
- 1. Fundamentals of fluid mechanics: newtonian fluids, Navier-Stokes equations; analysis of the flow in various regimes: inertial flows, irrotational flows, low-Reynolds-number (creeping) flows; boundary conditions.
2. Physical chemistry of surfaces: interfacial phenomena, capillarity; micro/nano particles in fluids: electrical interfaces in electrolyte solutions, electrical double layer, colloidal dispersions, micro-emulsions.
3. Fluid flows in confined geometries: flows in micro-pores; electro-osmotic flows; diffusio-osmotic flows; capillary flows, coating flows. Low-Reynolds-number flows of micro-particles (or micro-drops o micro-bubbles ) in fluids; micro-break-up of liquid jets, sprays; electrophoresis, diffusiophoresis, liquid flows driven by surface tension. Aggregation dynamics of colloidal particles with or without shear-flow: I e II Smoluchowski’s theory.
- 1. Fundamentals of fluid mechanics: newtonian fluids, Navier-Stokes equations; analysis of the flow in various regimes: inertial flows, irrotational flows, low-Reynolds-number (creeping) flows; boundary conditions.
2. Physical chemistry of surfaces: interfacial phenomena, capillarity; micro/nano particles in fluids: electrical interfaces in electrolyte solutions, electrical double layer, colloidal dispersions, micro-emulsions.
3. Fluid flows in confined geometries: flows in micro-pores; electro-osmotic flows; diffusio-osmotic flows; capillary flows, coating flows. Low-Reynolds-number flows of micro-particles (or micro-drops o micro-bubbles ) in fluids; micro-break-up of liquid jets, sprays; electrophoresis, diffusiophoresis, liquid flows driven by surface tension. Aggregation dynamics of colloidal particles with or without shear-flow: I e II Smoluchowski’s theory.
Tirocinio (15 cfu)
Polymer Science and Engineering (6 cfu)
- Molecular structure of polymers: thermoplastics and thermosets, definitions and types. Polymer chain flexibility. Chain conformations in polymers. Review of classical and statistical thermodynamics, configuration and conformation of isolated polymer chains, the rotational isomeric state model, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of polymer solutions, scaling theory, single chain dynamics, scattering (light, x-ray, neutron).Rubber elasticity. Amorphous state and glass transition. Free volume theory &Tg. Crystalline state and crystallization.
Thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and thermomechanical analysis) is explained, together with brief description of instruments and data analysis. Characterization of orientation, morphology, superstructure in polymers using x-ray, light scattering, birefringence, dichroism. Crystallography, unit cell determination. Spectroscopy theory. UV-Visible Spectroscopy. Infra-Red Spectroscopy. NMR spectroscopy.
Definitions of Polymer Processing. Extrusion lines. Injection molding processes. Blow molding Processes. Application of Rheology in Polymer Processing: Simple die and injection mold design. Screw types and definitions. Screw design: metering zone. Isothermal and adiabatic extrusion equations.
- Molecular structure of polymers: thermoplastics and thermosets, definitions and types. Polymer chain flexibility. Chain conformations in polymers. Review of classical and statistical thermodynamics, configuration and conformation of isolated polymer chains, the rotational isomeric state model, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of polymer solutions, scaling theory, single chain dynamics, scattering (light, x-ray, neutron).Rubber elasticity. Amorphous state and glass transition. Free volume theory &Tg. Crystalline state and crystallization.
Final examination (15 cfu)
12 cfu a scelta nel gruppo LIBERA SCELTA: attività a libera scelta per Advanced Materials
- 12 cfu a scelta tra gli esami indicati e gli esami degli altri indirizzi
Electron Microscopy of Nanomaterials (6 cfu)
- 1. Introduction to SEM imaging
2. Microanalysis and EDS mapping
3. Interaction of electron with matter
4. Basics of crystallography
5. Basic TEM operation
6. Electron diffraction
7. Imaging and image theory
8. Electron crystallography
9. TEM, STEM, EELS, EDS in a TEM
- 1. Introduction to SEM imaging
2. Microanalysis and EDS mapping
3. Interaction of electron with matter
4. Basics of crystallography
5. Basic TEM operation
6. Electron diffraction
7. Imaging and image theory
8. Electron crystallography
9. TEM, STEM, EELS, EDS in a TEM
Advanced Ceramics and Smart Glasses (6 cfu)
- Ceramic introduction: general properties, classification of ceramics (traditional and advanced ceramics), oxides, non-oxides and composites, amorphous and crystalline. Ceramic microstructures: crystal chemistry, bond energy and properties. Types of imperfections in ceramics, Frenkel and Schottky defects, Kroger-Vink notation. Ceramic microstructures: XRD and ceramic applications.
Main properties of ceramic materials: porosity, mechanical - thermal, chemical and functional properties. Structure-properties correlations. Ceramic phase diagrams.
Ceramic production processes. Mixing, grinding, homogenization, wet and dry processing. Forming/shaping process: powder pressing, wet molding, casting and extrusion. Main characterization techniques for ceramic materials. Sintering: theory and applications.
Advanced Ceramics and ceramic matrix composite: examples and applications (structural, biomedical, aerospace...). Ceramic Composite Manufacturing (Liquid, solid and gas route). Toughening Mechanism of CMC. Ceramic Matrix composites applications. Microwave assisted chemical vapour infiltration of silicon carbide composites. Theoretical and practical explanation.
Zirconia-based ceramics. Zirconia powder production process. Aging, forming, heating and zirconia applications.
Nanoceramics. Nanoceramics for biomedical applications.
Smart glasses. Smart glasses characterization.
- Ceramic introduction: general properties, classification of ceramics (traditional and advanced ceramics), oxides, non-oxides and composites, amorphous and crystalline. Ceramic microstructures: crystal chemistry, bond energy and properties. Types of imperfections in ceramics, Frenkel and Schottky defects, Kroger-Vink notation. Ceramic microstructures: XRD and ceramic applications.
Main properties of ceramic materials: porosity, mechanical - thermal, chemical and functional properties. Structure-properties correlations. Ceramic phase diagrams.
Ceramic production processes. Mixing, grinding, homogenization, wet and dry processing. Forming/shaping process: powder pressing, wet molding, casting and extrusion. Main characterization techniques for ceramic materials. Sintering: theory and applications.
Advanced Ceramics and ceramic matrix composite: examples and applications (structural, biomedical, aerospace...). Ceramic Composite Manufacturing (Liquid, solid and gas route). Toughening Mechanism of CMC. Ceramic Matrix composites applications. Microwave assisted chemical vapour infiltration of silicon carbide composites. Theoretical and practical explanation.
Zirconia-based ceramics. Zirconia powder production process. Aging, forming, heating and zirconia applications.
Nanoceramics. Nanoceramics for biomedical applications.
Smart glasses. Smart glasses characterization.
Multi-scale Modelling in Materials Design (6 cfu)
- The course will review the fundamental computational approaches for materials modeling in the framework of a hierarchical multi-scale paradigm: first-principles methods, classical and reactive molecular dynamics, coarse-grained methods and continuum methods. The basic theory at the base of each approach will be outlined with a quick summary of the main (open-source) codes available for each described computational method. By reviewing the latest advances in the scientific literature, it will be shown how multi-scale computational modeling is gaining a pivotal role in the field of computational materials science and how it is used to understand and design new structures and new materials following a “bottom-up” approach from atomistic to real-world scale resolution. In the perspective of applying multi-scale modeling to the investigation and design of materials for technological applications with peculiar response properties, the attention of the course will be put on basic structure/property relationships applied to a variety of both inorganic (nano-composite) and bio-based materials.
- The course will review the fundamental computational approaches for materials modeling in the framework of a hierarchical multi-scale paradigm: first-principles methods, classical and reactive molecular dynamics, coarse-grained methods and continuum methods. The basic theory at the base of each approach will be outlined with a quick summary of the main (open-source) codes available for each described computational method. By reviewing the latest advances in the scientific literature, it will be shown how multi-scale computational modeling is gaining a pivotal role in the field of computational materials science and how it is used to understand and design new structures and new materials following a “bottom-up” approach from atomistic to real-world scale resolution. In the perspective of applying multi-scale modeling to the investigation and design of materials for technological applications with peculiar response properties, the attention of the course will be put on basic structure/property relationships applied to a variety of both inorganic (nano-composite) and bio-based materials.
Nanostructured Inorganic Systems (3 cfu)
- The course covers the preparation of nanomaterials via colloidal chemistry methods, from the basics to the state of the art, including complex, multifunctional nano-heterostructures.
Fundamental properties of plasmonic and magnetic colloidal nanomaterials are discussed,
together with current and future applications.
- The course covers the preparation of nanomaterials via colloidal chemistry methods, from the basics to the state of the art, including complex, multifunctional nano-heterostructures.
Fundamental properties of plasmonic and magnetic colloidal nanomaterials are discussed,
together with current and future applications.
Computational Fluid Mechanics (6 cfu)
- 1. Conservation equations
2. Numerical solvers
3. Finite difference methods
4. Finite volume methods
5. Solution of linear equation systems
6. Solution of non-stationary flows
7. Solution of Navier-Stokes equations
8. Modeling of turbulent flows
9. Modeling of reactive flows
10. Modeling of multiphase flows
- 1. Conservation equations
2. Numerical solvers
3. Finite difference methods
4. Finite volume methods
5. Solution of linear equation systems
6. Solution of non-stationary flows
7. Solution of Navier-Stokes equations
8. Modeling of turbulent flows
9. Modeling of reactive flows
10. Modeling of multiphase flows
Green Chemistry for Materials and Processes (6 cfu)
- The course aims to provide the knowledge and skills useful in designing chemicals, products, materials, and plants with minimal impact on human health and the environment.
The concepts that will be presented are the emerging ones of the Green Chemistry:
Atom Economy, and Green Chemistry Metrics, Material Efficiency and Strategic Synthesis Design; Green catalysis: heterogeneous catalysis and biocatalysis; Green solvents, such as supercritical fluids, ionic liquids, water, bio-based solvents, nontoxic liquid polymers, and their various combinations; Conversion of renewable biomass into valuable chemicals, materials (bioplastics) and energy; Designing and synthesizing materials with appropriate lifetimes; Intensification of chemical processes: intensification of reaction and chemical processes.
- The course aims to provide the knowledge and skills useful in designing chemicals, products, materials, and plants with minimal impact on human health and the environment.
The concepts that will be presented are the emerging ones of the Green Chemistry:
Atom Economy, and Green Chemistry Metrics, Material Efficiency and Strategic Synthesis Design; Green catalysis: heterogeneous catalysis and biocatalysis; Green solvents, such as supercritical fluids, ionic liquids, water, bio-based solvents, nontoxic liquid polymers, and their various combinations; Conversion of renewable biomass into valuable chemicals, materials (bioplastics) and energy; Designing and synthesizing materials with appropriate lifetimes; Intensification of chemical processes: intensification of reaction and chemical processes.
Advanced Engineering Alloys (6 cfu)
- 1. Quick review of metallic materials and an introduction to metallurgy.
2. Review of structural phases. Principles and applications of phase diagrams. Principles of alloy theory. Defects in solid.
3. Introduction to Dislocation. Dislocation and plastic deformation. Elements of grain boundaries.
4. Vacancies. Diffusion in substitutional solid solutions. Interstitial diffusion.
5. Solidification of Metals and Alloys. Nucleation and growth kinetics. Precipitation.
6. Characterization and Analysis. Microscopy and X Ray Diffraction techniques.
7. Mechanical behaviour of metals and testing procedure. Tensile test. Impact testing. Creep testing. Fatigue testing.
8. Strengthening and hardening mechanisms
9. The Iron-Carbon Alloy System; The perlitic transformation; the bainite reaction; Isothermal transformation Diagrams for eutectoid and non-eutectoid steel.
10. The hardening of steel. Continuous cooling transformations. Hardenability. The martensite transformation in steel. Tempering. Secondary Hardening.
11. Steel product. Carbon and alloy steel. High strength, Low Alloy Steel. Alloy Steel. Classification and designation of steel.
12. Alloy Steel. Maraging Steel. Stainless Steel. PH Alloys. Duplex Alloys. Tool steel.
13. Advanced High Strength Steel, 2nd and 3rd generation. TRIP, TWIP
14. Cast Iron. Microstructure development. Ductile and malleable cast iron. Heat-resistant cast iron. Ni-Hard cast iron.
15. Light alloys. Aluminium alloys. Hundred years of precipitation hardening. Al-Li and Magnesium alloys.
16. Copper alloys and copper berillium.
17. Titanium alloys. Classification. Beta alloys. Alpha-Beta Alloys. Alloys for aerospace structures.
18. Nickel based alloys. High temperature alloys. Superalloys. Nickel-Iron alloys.
19. Stress induced martensite. Shape Memory Alloys. The metallurgy of Nitinol.
20. Metal Bulk Metallic Glasses. Recent development and application products of BGA.
21. High-entropy alloy: challenges and prospects. A Critical Review.
- 1. Quick review of metallic materials and an introduction to metallurgy.
2. Review of structural phases. Principles and applications of phase diagrams. Principles of alloy theory. Defects in solid.
3. Introduction to Dislocation. Dislocation and plastic deformation. Elements of grain boundaries.
4. Vacancies. Diffusion in substitutional solid solutions. Interstitial diffusion.
5. Solidification of Metals and Alloys. Nucleation and growth kinetics. Precipitation.
6. Characterization and Analysis. Microscopy and X Ray Diffraction techniques.
7. Mechanical behaviour of metals and testing procedure. Tensile test. Impact testing. Creep testing. Fatigue testing.
8. Strengthening and hardening mechanisms
9. The Iron-Carbon Alloy System; The perlitic transformation; the bainite reaction; Isothermal transformation Diagrams for eutectoid and non-eutectoid steel.
10. The hardening of steel. Continuous cooling transformations. Hardenability. The martensite transformation in steel. Tempering. Secondary Hardening.
11. Steel product. Carbon and alloy steel. High strength, Low Alloy Steel. Alloy Steel. Classification and designation of steel.
12. Alloy Steel. Maraging Steel. Stainless Steel. PH Alloys. Duplex Alloys. Tool steel.
13. Advanced High Strength Steel, 2nd and 3rd generation. TRIP, TWIP
14. Cast Iron. Microstructure development. Ductile and malleable cast iron. Heat-resistant cast iron. Ni-Hard cast iron.
15. Light alloys. Aluminium alloys. Hundred years of precipitation hardening. Al-Li and Magnesium alloys.
16. Copper alloys and copper berillium.
17. Titanium alloys. Classification. Beta alloys. Alpha-Beta Alloys. Alloys for aerospace structures.
18. Nickel based alloys. High temperature alloys. Superalloys. Nickel-Iron alloys.
19. Stress induced martensite. Shape Memory Alloys. The metallurgy of Nitinol.
20. Metal Bulk Metallic Glasses. Recent development and application products of BGA.
21. High-entropy alloy: challenges and prospects. A Critical Review.
Biomaterials (6 cfu)
- This course of Biomaterials is designed to provide a general understanding of the multidisciplinary field of biomaterials, and to give a key focus on new products arising from nanotechnology. Specifically, it aims at developing in the attendants all the necessary skills as well as the fundamental theoretical and technical competences with the ultimate goal to have graduated students who can successfully interface with the multidisciplinary scenario of biomaterials-related products and technologies, both in industrial and research environments. The current and innovative applications of biomaterials will be evaluated to highlight the connections existing between material properties, function, biological responses and clinical applications. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of this topic, both teamwork and self-learning will be stimulated.
After the completion of the course, the students will be able to:
• Understand the interaction between biomaterials and biologic systems,
• Understand the fundamental principles of biomaterials and their properties,
• Know the advanced biofabrication techniques (from macro-to-nanoscale),
• Know the modern analytical and imaging techniques for characterization of biomaterials,
• Know the most important regulatory aspects for clinical translation,
• Demonstrate effective communication and teamwork skills through technical presentations and reports,
• Demonstrate capability of to understand the scientific literature.
Contents
Biocompatibility and material-cell/tissue/organ interactions. Classes of materials used in medicine (synthetic and biologic polymers, metals, ceramics, composites, graft tissues). Properties of materials (chemical, physical, mechanical, architectural, surface). Exploiting biomaterial properties for medical purposes. Advanced biofabrication techniques (nano and microfiber manufacturing, nanoparticle and nanotube synthesis). Techniques for biomaterials characterization. Biological testing of biomaterials. Application of materials in medicine, biology and artificial organs: tissue engineering, drug delivery, nanomedicine. Regulatory aspects involving biomaterial devices.
- This course of Biomaterials is designed to provide a general understanding of the multidisciplinary field of biomaterials, and to give a key focus on new products arising from nanotechnology. Specifically, it aims at developing in the attendants all the necessary skills as well as the fundamental theoretical and technical competences with the ultimate goal to have graduated students who can successfully interface with the multidisciplinary scenario of biomaterials-related products and technologies, both in industrial and research environments. The current and innovative applications of biomaterials will be evaluated to highlight the connections existing between material properties, function, biological responses and clinical applications. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of this topic, both teamwork and self-learning will be stimulated.
After the completion of the course, the students will be able to:
• Understand the interaction between biomaterials and biologic systems,
• Understand the fundamental principles of biomaterials and their properties,
• Know the advanced biofabrication techniques (from macro-to-nanoscale),
• Know the modern analytical and imaging techniques for characterization of biomaterials,
• Know the most important regulatory aspects for clinical translation,
• Demonstrate effective communication and teamwork skills through technical presentations and reports,
• Demonstrate capability of to understand the scientific literature.
Contents
Biocompatibility and material-cell/tissue/organ interactions. Classes of materials used in medicine (synthetic and biologic polymers, metals, ceramics, composites, graft tissues). Properties of materials (chemical, physical, mechanical, architectural, surface). Exploiting biomaterial properties for medical purposes. Advanced biofabrication techniques (nano and microfiber manufacturing, nanoparticle and nanotube synthesis). Techniques for biomaterials characterization. Biological testing of biomaterials. Application of materials in medicine, biology and artificial organs: tissue engineering, drug delivery, nanomedicine. Regulatory aspects involving biomaterial devices.
Nanostructured Materials (9 cfu)
- Synthesis and fabrication techniques of nanostructured materials. Morphological, electronic, chemical, compositional, structural and optical properties of semiconductor and carbon-based nanostructures; characterization techniques.
- Synthesis and fabrication techniques of nanostructured materials. Morphological, electronic, chemical, compositional, structural and optical properties of semiconductor and carbon-based nanostructures; characterization techniques.
Physics of the Matter and Nanotechnology Lab (9 cfu)
- Electromagnetic propagation in homogeneous media. Polarisation of an electromagnetic wave. Laws of reflection and refraction. Interference. Optical Fibres.
- Electromagnetic propagation in homogeneous media. Polarisation of an electromagnetic wave. Laws of reflection and refraction. Interference. Optical Fibres.
Materials and Devices for Nanoscale Electronics (6 cfu)
- The course includes an in-depth discussion of the scaling of CMOS devices (both constant-field and generalized scaling); an analysis of the main nonidealities, such as hot-electron effects, drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL), random distribution of dopants, limitations in the subthreshold slope and in the speed of propagation of signals, role of new materials and geometries in the new generations of devices; computation of conductance through a ballistic device; the concept of Coulomb blockade and its application to single-electron transistors; heterostructures based on compound semiconductors and their usage for HEMTs (high electron mobility transistors), quantum devices, and non-invasive charge detectors. A further set of topics is chosen according to the preferences expressed by the students, and typical selections are carbon electronics, quantum computing, molecular electronics, technological processes for the fabrication of nanodevices.
- The course includes an in-depth discussion of the scaling of CMOS devices (both constant-field and generalized scaling); an analysis of the main nonidealities, such as hot-electron effects, drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL), random distribution of dopants, limitations in the subthreshold slope and in the speed of propagation of signals, role of new materials and geometries in the new generations of devices; computation of conductance through a ballistic device; the concept of Coulomb blockade and its application to single-electron transistors; heterostructures based on compound semiconductors and their usage for HEMTs (high electron mobility transistors), quantum devices, and non-invasive charge detectors. A further set of topics is chosen according to the preferences expressed by the students, and typical selections are carbon electronics, quantum computing, molecular electronics, technological processes for the fabrication of nanodevices.
6 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR5: per Advanced Materials
- Uno a scelta tra: Composite Materials Science and Engineering, Laboratory of Materials Characterization, Reactive Processing and Recycling of Polymers, Sustainable and Degradable Polymers
Laboratory of Materials Characterization (6 cfu)
- Principles and examples of structural characterization by using spectroscopic, chromatographic, thermal, mechanical, morphological methods and tests of functional behavior of biomaterials. Sample preparation in chemical laboratory. Samples characterization in instrumental laboratory.
FT-IR Chemical Imaging on sample surfaces.
- Principles and examples of structural characterization by using spectroscopic, chromatographic, thermal, mechanical, morphological methods and tests of functional behavior of biomaterials. Sample preparation in chemical laboratory. Samples characterization in instrumental laboratory.
FT-IR Chemical Imaging on sample surfaces.
Reactive Processing and Recycling of Polymers (6 cfu)
- 1) Polymers classification, rheology and viscoelastic behavior.
2) Reactions occurring during processing and their investigation, compounding o plymer blends, polymer composites and nano-composites.
3) Polymer extrusion, injection molding and thermoforming, compression molding, blow molding technologies.
4) Recyclability of polymeric materials: implications with durability, separation and contamination, compatibility, legislation, etc.
5) Case studies and challenges: recycling of waste PET.
6) Bioplastics classification. Processing and recycling of biobased PLA.
7) Recycling of thermosets.
- 1) Polymers classification, rheology and viscoelastic behavior.
2) Reactions occurring during processing and their investigation, compounding o plymer blends, polymer composites and nano-composites.
3) Polymer extrusion, injection molding and thermoforming, compression molding, blow molding technologies.
4) Recyclability of polymeric materials: implications with durability, separation and contamination, compatibility, legislation, etc.
5) Case studies and challenges: recycling of waste PET.
6) Bioplastics classification. Processing and recycling of biobased PLA.
7) Recycling of thermosets.
Sustainable and Degradable Polymers (6 cfu)
- This course emphasizes the recyclability and the cradle-to-grave nature of engineering materials. The course will focus on the modification and application of natural polymers, biopolymers, including their composites. Both processing and material characterisationwill be discussed in detail. The use, manufacture and design of biodegradable materials will also be discussed in the context of the cradle-to-grave or cradle-to-cradle materials use philosophy. Life cycle assessment of the process will be introduced alongside the societal perspective on the use of sustainable engineering materials. Strategies for the development and use of sustainable engineering materials will be discussed.
Topics will include:
Definitions related to Biopolymers, Proteins as Polymers, Polysaccharides as Polymers, Biofibers for Biocomposites, Microbial BioPolymers, Biomonomersand Polymers synthesized of, Bioresources, Natural Rubber, Properties and applicationsof biopolymers.
- This course emphasizes the recyclability and the cradle-to-grave nature of engineering materials. The course will focus on the modification and application of natural polymers, biopolymers, including their composites. Both processing and material characterisationwill be discussed in detail. The use, manufacture and design of biodegradable materials will also be discussed in the context of the cradle-to-grave or cradle-to-cradle materials use philosophy. Life cycle assessment of the process will be introduced alongside the societal perspective on the use of sustainable engineering materials. Strategies for the development and use of sustainable engineering materials will be discussed.
Topics will include:
Definitions related to Biopolymers, Proteins as Polymers, Polysaccharides as Polymers, Biofibers for Biocomposites, Microbial BioPolymers, Biomonomersand Polymers synthesized of, Bioresources, Natural Rubber, Properties and applicationsof biopolymers.
Composite Materials Science and Engineering (6 cfu)
- Fibers and Matrices. Micromechanics of composites: Longitudinal behavior of unidirectional composites; Transverse Properties; Shear properties and poison ratio. Stress concentration, fracture and fracture mechanisms of composites. Thermal Expansion Coefficients. Short Fiber Reinforced Composites. Polymeric Foams. Adhesion and adhesive. Rheological behavior of thermosets, vulcanization of rubbers, time-temperature-transition relationships in thermosets. Fabrication of the composites. Reaction injection molding, compression/transfer molding, pultrusion.
Advanced CeramicMatrix Composite Materials (CMCs): carbon/carbon (C/C), carbon/silicon carbide (C/SiC), silicon carbide/silicon carbide composites, LSI, PIP, CVI technologies.
- Fibers and Matrices. Micromechanics of composites: Longitudinal behavior of unidirectional composites; Transverse Properties; Shear properties and poison ratio. Stress concentration, fracture and fracture mechanisms of composites. Thermal Expansion Coefficients. Short Fiber Reinforced Composites. Polymeric Foams. Adhesion and adhesive. Rheological behavior of thermosets, vulcanization of rubbers, time-temperature-transition relationships in thermosets. Fabrication of the composites. Reaction injection molding, compression/transfer molding, pultrusion.
Advanced CeramicMatrix Composite Materials (CMCs): carbon/carbon (C/C), carbon/silicon carbide (C/SiC), silicon carbide/silicon carbide composites, LSI, PIP, CVI technologies.
6 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR6: per Advanced Materials
- Uno a scelta tra: Composite Materials Science and Engineering, Disordered and off-Equilibrium Systems, Interaction of Electromagnetic Waves with Complex Media, Polymeric Materials for Special Applications, Rheology
Rheology (6 cfu)
- The course aims to provide students with the knowledge aimed at understanding the rheology and its basic experiments.
The course includes the acquisition of the following main skills:
1. awareness of the importance of rheology in scientific research, in industrial applications and in life, including daily activities;
2. phenomenological knowledge of the main rheological behaviors of the materials: viscosity and its dependence in Non-Newtonian liquids, viscoelasticity, normal stresses, extensional viscosity
3. recognition of the rheological behavior of different materials: polymers, gels, suspensions
4. application of the main rheological models;
5. knowledge of the experimental methods of rheological survey and main instrumentation;
6. mathematical tensor treatment of rheology and introduction to advanced rheological theories.
- The course aims to provide students with the knowledge aimed at understanding the rheology and its basic experiments.
The course includes the acquisition of the following main skills:
1. awareness of the importance of rheology in scientific research, in industrial applications and in life, including daily activities;
2. phenomenological knowledge of the main rheological behaviors of the materials: viscosity and its dependence in Non-Newtonian liquids, viscoelasticity, normal stresses, extensional viscosity
3. recognition of the rheological behavior of different materials: polymers, gels, suspensions
4. application of the main rheological models;
5. knowledge of the experimental methods of rheological survey and main instrumentation;
6. mathematical tensor treatment of rheology and introduction to advanced rheological theories.
Disordered and off-Equilibrium Systems (6 cfu)
- 1. Non-periodical long range positional order: quasi-crystals
2. Disorder in long range positional atomic systems (cellular disorder)
3. Disorder in atomic systems without long range interactions (topological disorder)
4. Disorder in polymeric systems
5. Supercooled metastable states and glass transition in liquids
6. Elements of non-equilibrium thermodynamics
7. Polymeric chain dynamics
8. Non-equilibrium states in active matter
9. Scattering from disordered systems: generalities
10. Photon scattering (X-rays and light)
11. Neutron scattering
- 1. Non-periodical long range positional order: quasi-crystals
2. Disorder in long range positional atomic systems (cellular disorder)
3. Disorder in atomic systems without long range interactions (topological disorder)
4. Disorder in polymeric systems
5. Supercooled metastable states and glass transition in liquids
6. Elements of non-equilibrium thermodynamics
7. Polymeric chain dynamics
8. Non-equilibrium states in active matter
9. Scattering from disordered systems: generalities
10. Photon scattering (X-rays and light)
11. Neutron scattering
Composite Materials Science and Engineering (6 cfu)
- Fibers and Matrices. Micromechanics of composites: Longitudinal behavior of unidirectional composites; Transverse Properties; Shear properties and poison ratio. Stress concentration, fracture and fracture mechanisms of composites. Thermal Expansion Coefficients. Short Fiber Reinforced Composites. Polymeric Foams. Adhesion and adhesive. Rheological behavior of thermosets, vulcanization of rubbers, time-temperature-transition relationships in thermosets. Fabrication of the composites. Reaction injection molding, compression/transfer molding, pultrusion.
Advanced CeramicMatrix Composite Materials (CMCs): carbon/carbon (C/C), carbon/silicon carbide (C/SiC), silicon carbide/silicon carbide composites, LSI, PIP, CVI technologies.
- Fibers and Matrices. Micromechanics of composites: Longitudinal behavior of unidirectional composites; Transverse Properties; Shear properties and poison ratio. Stress concentration, fracture and fracture mechanisms of composites. Thermal Expansion Coefficients. Short Fiber Reinforced Composites. Polymeric Foams. Adhesion and adhesive. Rheological behavior of thermosets, vulcanization of rubbers, time-temperature-transition relationships in thermosets. Fabrication of the composites. Reaction injection molding, compression/transfer molding, pultrusion.
Advanced CeramicMatrix Composite Materials (CMCs): carbon/carbon (C/C), carbon/silicon carbide (C/SiC), silicon carbide/silicon carbide composites, LSI, PIP, CVI technologies.
Interaction of Electromagnetic Waves with Complex Media (6 cfu)
- Interaction of Electromagnetic Waves with Complex Media.
Obiettiviformativi:The course reviews the constitutive parameters of classical materials and introduces the methods for retrieving these parameters from measurements. Complex materials obtained with inclusions of dielectric or metallic particles into homogeneous media are addressed. Theory of wave propagation in complex media are presented and applied to metamaterial transmission lines and periodic structures.
- Interaction of Electromagnetic Waves with Complex Media.
Obiettiviformativi:The course reviews the constitutive parameters of classical materials and introduces the methods for retrieving these parameters from measurements. Complex materials obtained with inclusions of dielectric or metallic particles into homogeneous media are addressed. Theory of wave propagation in complex media are presented and applied to metamaterial transmission lines and periodic structures.
Polymeric Materials for Special Applications (6 cfu)
- The course aims at providing a wide understanding of modern science and technology of polymeric materials with the principal objective of achieving a good knowledge of the chemical fundamentals of the design, preparation and application of polymers in a variety of advanced applications.
Main topics will deal with:
-Basic principles of the industrial chemistry of polymers, mainly synthetic polymers as well as natural polymers.
-Special features concerned with the molecular design, preparation and characterization of polymers starting from both petrochemicals, fine chemicals and chemicals from renewable resources.
-Analysis of the main physical-chemical properties, in view of current and prospective uses in e.g. optical and photonic devices, liquid crystalline fibers and composites, high performance and engineering plastics, environmentally friendly and biodegradable polymer systems.
The student will learn criteria for selection of more actual and profitable products and processes and will know how to tackle the current issues associated with science and technology for industrial production and its social-economical and environmental impact. He/she will be able to define structure-reactivity and structure-property relationships for special polymers in view of their practical performance in specific application fields.
- The course aims at providing a wide understanding of modern science and technology of polymeric materials with the principal objective of achieving a good knowledge of the chemical fundamentals of the design, preparation and application of polymers in a variety of advanced applications.
Main topics will deal with:
-Basic principles of the industrial chemistry of polymers, mainly synthetic polymers as well as natural polymers.
-Special features concerned with the molecular design, preparation and characterization of polymers starting from both petrochemicals, fine chemicals and chemicals from renewable resources.
-Analysis of the main physical-chemical properties, in view of current and prospective uses in e.g. optical and photonic devices, liquid crystalline fibers and composites, high performance and engineering plastics, environmentally friendly and biodegradable polymer systems.
The student will learn criteria for selection of more actual and profitable products and processes and will know how to tackle the current issues associated with science and technology for industrial production and its social-economical and environmental impact. He/she will be able to define structure-reactivity and structure-property relationships for special polymers in view of their practical performance in specific application fields.
Biomaterials (9 cfu)
- This course of Biomaterials is designed to provide a general understanding of the multidisciplinary field of biomaterials, and to give a key focus on new products arising from nanotechnology. Specifically, it aims at developing in the attendants all the necessary skills as well as the fundamental theoretical and technical competences with the ultimate goal to have graduated students who can successfully interface with the multidisciplinary scenario of biomaterials-related products and technologies, both in industrial and research environments. The current and innovative applications of biomaterials will be evaluated to highlight the connections existing between material properties, function, biological responses and clinical applications. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of this topic, both teamwork and self-learning will be stimulated.
After the completion of the course, the students will be able to:
• Understand the interaction between biomaterials and biologic systems,
• Understand the fundamental principles of biomaterials and their properties,
• Know the advanced biofabrication techniques (from macro-to-nanoscale),
• Know the modern analytical and imaging techniques for characterization of biomaterials,
• Know the most important regulatory aspects for clinical translation,
• Demonstrate effective communication and teamwork skills through technical presentations and reports,
• Demonstrate capability of to understand the scientific literature.
Contents
Biocompatibility and material-cell/tissue/organ interactions. Classes of materials used in medicine (synthetic and biologic polymers, metals, ceramics, composites, graft tissues). Properties of materials (chemical, physical, mechanical, architectural, surface). Exploiting biomaterial properties for medical purposes. Advanced biofabrication techniques (nano and microfiber manufacturing, nanoparticle and nanotube synthesis). Techniques for biomaterials characterization. Biological testing of biomaterials. Application of materials in medicine, biology and artificial organs: tissue engineering, drug delivery, nanomedicine. Regulatory aspects involving biomaterial devices.
- This course of Biomaterials is designed to provide a general understanding of the multidisciplinary field of biomaterials, and to give a key focus on new products arising from nanotechnology. Specifically, it aims at developing in the attendants all the necessary skills as well as the fundamental theoretical and technical competences with the ultimate goal to have graduated students who can successfully interface with the multidisciplinary scenario of biomaterials-related products and technologies, both in industrial and research environments. The current and innovative applications of biomaterials will be evaluated to highlight the connections existing between material properties, function, biological responses and clinical applications. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of this topic, both teamwork and self-learning will be stimulated.
Mechanical Behaviour of Materials (6 cfu)
- This course will examine how the microstructure of a material determines its mechanical behaviour ranging from the continuum description of properties to the atomistic and molecular mechanisms that confer those properties to all materials. We will cover elastic and plastic deformation, creep, fracture and fatigue of materials including crystalline and amorphous metals, semiconductors, ceramics, and (bio)polymers, and will focus on the design and processing of materials from the atomic to the macroscale to achieve desired mechanical behavior.
Topics include:
• Introduction to deformation behaviour: Concept of stresses and strains, engineering stresses and strains, Different types of loading and temperature encountered in applications, Tensile Test - stress-strain response for metal, ceramic and polymer, elastic region, yield point, plastic deformation, necking and fracture, Bonding and Material Behaviour, theoretical estimates of yield strength in metals and ceramics.
• Elasticity (the State of Stress and strain, stress and strain tensor, tensor transformation, principal stress and strain, elastic stress-strain relation, anisotropy, elastic behaviour of metals, ceramics and polymers.).
• Viscoelasticity (Molecular foundations of polymer viscoelasticity. Rouse-Bueche theory, Boltzmann superposition principle, mechanical models, distribution of relaxation and retardation times, interrelationships between mechanical spectra, the glass transition, secondary relaxations, dielectric relaxations).
• Plasticity (Hydrostatic and Deviatoric stress, Octahedral stress, yield criteria and yield surface, texture and distortion of yield surface, Limitation of engineering strain at large deformation, true stress and true strain, effective stress, effective strain, flow rules, strain hardening, Ramberg-Osgood equation, stress -strain relation in plasticity, plastic deformation of metals and polymers).
• Microscopic view of plastic deformation: crystals and defects, classification of defects, thermodynamics of defects, geometry of dislocations, slip and glide, dislocation generation - Frank Read and grain boundary sources, stress and strain field around dislocations, force on dislocation - self-stress, dislocation interactions, partial dislocations, twinning, dislocation movement and strain rate, deformation behavior of single crystal, critical resolved shear stress (CRSS), deformation of poly-crystals - Hall-Petch and other hardening mechanisms, grain size effect - source limited plasticity, Hall-Petch breakdown, dislocations in ceramics and glasses.
• Effects of microstructure on the mechanics of polymeric media: deformation modes, yield, rubber toughening, alloys and blends.
• Fracture mechanics (energetics of fracture growth, plasticity at the fracture tip, measurement of fracture toughness, - Linear fracture mechanics -KIC, elasto-plastic fracture mechanics - JIC, Measurement and ASTM standards, Design based on fracture mechanics, effect of environment, effect of microstructure on KIC and JIC, application of fracture mechanics in the design of metals, ceramics, polymers and composites, damage tolerance design, elements of fractography).
• Fatigue (S-N curves, low- and high-cycle fatigue, laboratory testing in fatigue, residual stress, surface and environmental effects, fatigue of cracked components, designing out fatigue failure,Life cycle prediction, Fatigue in metals, ceramics, polymers and composites)
• Creep in crystalline materials (stress-strain-time relationship, creep testing, different stages of creep, creep mechanisms and creep mechanism maps, diffusion, creep and stress rupture, creep under multi-axial loading,microstructural aspects of creep and design of creep resistant alloys, high temperature deformation of ceramics and polymers)
- This course will examine how the microstructure of a material determines its mechanical behaviour ranging from the continuum description of properties to the atomistic and molecular mechanisms that confer those properties to all materials. We will cover elastic and plastic deformation, creep, fracture and fatigue of materials including crystalline and amorphous metals, semiconductors, ceramics, and (bio)polymers, and will focus on the design and processing of materials from the atomic to the macroscale to achieve desired mechanical behavior.
Laboratory of Materials Characterization (6 cfu)
- Principles and examples of structural characterization by using spectroscopic, chromatographic, thermal, mechanical, morphological methods and tests of functional behavior of biomaterials. Sample preparation in chemical laboratory. Samples characterization in instrumental laboratory.
FT-IR Chemical Imaging on sample surfaces.
- Principles and examples of structural characterization by using spectroscopic, chromatographic, thermal, mechanical, morphological methods and tests of functional behavior of biomaterials. Sample preparation in chemical laboratory. Samples characterization in instrumental laboratory.
12 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR3: per Biomaterials
- Uno a scelta tra: Electromagnetic Materials and Electron Devices, Principles of Cellular Biology and Tissue Engineering, Spectroscopy of nanomaterials
Principles of Cellular Biology and Tissue Engineering (12 cfu)
Electromagnetic Materials and Electron Devices (12 cfu)
- Electromagnetic Materials
The course introduces the fundamental laws of electromagnetic fields, with the aim of devising electromagnetic properties of materials. The different configurations of the electromagnetic field propagating in various transmission lines are treated in details and then used for resorting to equivalent model representations of composite materials. Analysis of radiating structures and definition of parameters employed to characterize microwave devices are also addressed.
Electron Devices
The course covers the fundamental properties of the electron devices that represent the building blocks of modern electronic circuits and systems. After introducing the main concepts of electrical transport in semiconductors, the physics and the operation of the pn junction, the bipolar and the field effect transistors are treated in detail. Furthermore, we will discuss the effect of nanostructuring on the transport properties of materials and on device properties.
- Electromagnetic Materials
The course introduces the fundamental laws of electromagnetic fields, with the aim of devising electromagnetic properties of materials. The different configurations of the electromagnetic field propagating in various transmission lines are treated in details and then used for resorting to equivalent model representations of composite materials. Analysis of radiating structures and definition of parameters employed to characterize microwave devices are also addressed.
Electron Devices
The course covers the fundamental properties of the electron devices that represent the building blocks of modern electronic circuits and systems. After introducing the main concepts of electrical transport in semiconductors, the physics and the operation of the pn junction, the bipolar and the field effect transistors are treated in detail. Furthermore, we will discuss the effect of nanostructuring on the transport properties of materials and on device properties.
Spectroscopy of nanomaterials (12 cfu)
- Emission, scattering, absorption properties of confined nano systems; experimental techniques, sources, detectors, spectrometers; Fourier and Raman spectroscopy; magnetic resonance spectroscopy; plasmonics from surface and localized resonances; survey of nano photonics devices; linear and nonlinear optical spectroscopies; optical microscopy beyond the diffraction limit; atomic and electrostatic force microscopy and spectroscopy, scanning tunnelling microscopy.
- Emission, scattering, absorption properties of confined nano systems; experimental techniques, sources, detectors, spectrometers; Fourier and Raman spectroscopy; magnetic resonance spectroscopy; plasmonics from surface and localized resonances; survey of nano photonics devices; linear and nonlinear optical spectroscopies; optical microscopy beyond the diffraction limit; atomic and electrostatic force microscopy and spectroscopy, scanning tunnelling microscopy.
6 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR4: per Biomaterials
- 6 CFU a scelta tra i seguenti: Computational Materials Science, Principles of Microfluidics, Transport Phenomena in Materials
Transport Phenomena in Materials (6 cfu)
- This course deals with the fundamentals of transport of energy, mass, species and momentum according to a mesoscale continuum perspective, seeking for unification of the different transport mechanisms. Topics covered include: convective and diffusive transport modes, heat conduction in solids, steady-state and transient solutions of diffusion equations in different geometries, heat and mass transfer coefficients, principles of fluid flow, coupling of transport mechanisms and reactions.
Course outline:
1. Introduction and maths review: Local equilibrium, definition of convective and diffusive fluxes, materials transport properties, dimensionless numbers (Reynolds, Prandtl, Schmidt, Peclet, etc), origin of diffusive equations & random walk, tensor notation and operators.
2. Microscopic governing equations: Derivation of microscopic balance equations (general, mass, species, internal energy, momentum), Eulerian and Lagrangian approaches.
3. Heat conduction: Governing equation and boundary conditions, Newton law of cooling, Biot and Nusselt numbers, unidirectional heat conduction (linear, cylindrical and spherical coordinates), effective thermal conductive of composite materials, heat conduction with heat source, time-dependent heat conduction (step and pulse responses).
4. Material transport: Species fluxes and velocities, convection vs diffusion, mass vs molar basis, constitutive equations of diffusion (Fick law), balance equations and boundary conditions, diffusion in a stagnant film, effective mass transport coefficient, Sherwood number, diffusion with heterogeneous and homogeneous reactions, multi-component diffusion.
5. Basics of momentum transport: Laminar and turbulent flows, velocity profiles in a pipe, non-Newtonian fluids, flow in porous media, Knudsen effects.
6. Numerical methods for transport equations: Use of codes and software with illustrative applications to material science (isotope exchange, backing of a ceramic brick).
- This course deals with the fundamentals of transport of energy, mass, species and momentum according to a mesoscale continuum perspective, seeking for unification of the different transport mechanisms. Topics covered include: convective and diffusive transport modes, heat conduction in solids, steady-state and transient solutions of diffusion equations in different geometries, heat and mass transfer coefficients, principles of fluid flow, coupling of transport mechanisms and reactions.
Course outline:
1. Introduction and maths review: Local equilibrium, definition of convective and diffusive fluxes, materials transport properties, dimensionless numbers (Reynolds, Prandtl, Schmidt, Peclet, etc), origin of diffusive equations & random walk, tensor notation and operators.
2. Microscopic governing equations: Derivation of microscopic balance equations (general, mass, species, internal energy, momentum), Eulerian and Lagrangian approaches.
3. Heat conduction: Governing equation and boundary conditions, Newton law of cooling, Biot and Nusselt numbers, unidirectional heat conduction (linear, cylindrical and spherical coordinates), effective thermal conductive of composite materials, heat conduction with heat source, time-dependent heat conduction (step and pulse responses).
4. Material transport: Species fluxes and velocities, convection vs diffusion, mass vs molar basis, constitutive equations of diffusion (Fick law), balance equations and boundary conditions, diffusion in a stagnant film, effective mass transport coefficient, Sherwood number, diffusion with heterogeneous and homogeneous reactions, multi-component diffusion.
5. Basics of momentum transport: Laminar and turbulent flows, velocity profiles in a pipe, non-Newtonian fluids, flow in porous media, Knudsen effects.
6. Numerical methods for transport equations: Use of codes and software with illustrative applications to material science (isotope exchange, backing of a ceramic brick).
Computational Materials Science (6 cfu)
- Quantum mechanical approaches, Density Functional Theory, many-body approaches. Multiscale approaches: quantum mechanics, molecular mechanics, coarse graining, polarizable continua. Electronic properties. Excited electronic states and UV-vis spectroscopy.
Vibrations, IR and Raman spectroscopy. Dynamicaleffects.
- Quantum mechanical approaches, Density Functional Theory, many-body approaches. Multiscale approaches: quantum mechanics, molecular mechanics, coarse graining, polarizable continua. Electronic properties. Excited electronic states and UV-vis spectroscopy.
Vibrations, IR and Raman spectroscopy. Dynamicaleffects.
Principles of Microfluidics (6 cfu)
- 1. Fundamentals of fluid mechanics: newtonian fluids, Navier-Stokes equations; analysis of the flow in various regimes: inertial flows, irrotational flows, low-Reynolds-number (creeping) flows; boundary conditions.
2. Physical chemistry of surfaces: interfacial phenomena, capillarity; micro/nano particles in fluids: electrical interfaces in electrolyte solutions, electrical double layer, colloidal dispersions, micro-emulsions.
3. Fluid flows in confined geometries: flows in micro-pores; electro-osmotic flows; diffusio-osmotic flows; capillary flows, coating flows. Low-Reynolds-number flows of micro-particles (or micro-drops o micro-bubbles ) in fluids; micro-break-up of liquid jets, sprays; electrophoresis, diffusiophoresis, liquid flows driven by surface tension. Aggregation dynamics of colloidal particles with or without shear-flow: I e II Smoluchowski’s theory.
- 1. Fundamentals of fluid mechanics: newtonian fluids, Navier-Stokes equations; analysis of the flow in various regimes: inertial flows, irrotational flows, low-Reynolds-number (creeping) flows; boundary conditions.
2. Physical chemistry of surfaces: interfacial phenomena, capillarity; micro/nano particles in fluids: electrical interfaces in electrolyte solutions, electrical double layer, colloidal dispersions, micro-emulsions.
3. Fluid flows in confined geometries: flows in micro-pores; electro-osmotic flows; diffusio-osmotic flows; capillary flows, coating flows. Low-Reynolds-number flows of micro-particles (or micro-drops o micro-bubbles ) in fluids; micro-break-up of liquid jets, sprays; electrophoresis, diffusiophoresis, liquid flows driven by surface tension. Aggregation dynamics of colloidal particles with or without shear-flow: I e II Smoluchowski’s theory.
9 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR1 per Biomaterials
- 9 CFU among: Quantum Physics of Matter, Solid State Physics 1, Glass Transition
Solid State Physics 1 (6 cfu)
- Electrons in a one-dimensional periodic potential. Electron tunneling through a periodic potential. Velocity, quasimomentum and effective mass of an electron in a band. Geometric description of crystals: direct and reciprocal lattices. Von Laue and Bragg scattering. The Drude electron gas. The theory of Sommerfeld. Energy and density of states of a two-and three-dimensional electron gas in a magnetic field. De Haas van Alphen effect. Landau diamagnetism and Pauli paramagnetism. Theory of harmonic crystal. Phonons. Optical properties of semiconductors and insulators. Charge transport in intrinsic and doped semiconductors. Fermi level in intrinsic semiconductors. Law of mass action. Donor and acceptor levels. Fermi level in doped semiconductors.
- Electrons in a one-dimensional periodic potential. Electron tunneling through a periodic potential. Velocity, quasimomentum and effective mass of an electron in a band. Geometric description of crystals: direct and reciprocal lattices. Von Laue and Bragg scattering. The Drude electron gas. The theory of Sommerfeld. Energy and density of states of a two-and three-dimensional electron gas in a magnetic field. De Haas van Alphen effect. Landau diamagnetism and Pauli paramagnetism. Theory of harmonic crystal. Phonons. Optical properties of semiconductors and insulators. Charge transport in intrinsic and doped semiconductors. Fermi level in intrinsic semiconductors. Law of mass action. Donor and acceptor levels. Fermi level in doped semiconductors.
Quantum Physics of Matter (6 cfu)
- Introduction to quantum mechanics:
Waves and particles. Wave-particle duality and uncertainty principle. Wave function. Schroedinger equation and stationary states. Expectation values.
Atomic Physics:
First atomic models and their shortcomings. Hydrogen atom: energy spectrum, angular momentum and eigenfunctions. Electron spin. Pauli exclusion principle. Helium atom, singlet and triplet states. Many-electron atoms, periodic system of elements. Atomic spectroscopy.
Molecular physics:
Adiabatic approximation. The ionized hydrogen molecule. The hydrogen molecule. Homonuclear and heteronuclear diatomic molecules.Polyatomic molecules. Molecular vibrations. Molecular Spectroscopy.
Condensed matter physics:
Structure of liquids, amorphous solids and crystals. X-ray diffraction. Types of crystals: molecular, ionic, covalent and metallic. Boltzmann distribution, equipartition of energy. Quantum statistics: bosons and fermions. Phonons and specific heat of solids. Free electron model of metals: electrical conductivity and specific heat.
- Introduction to quantum mechanics:
Waves and particles. Wave-particle duality and uncertainty principle. Wave function. Schroedinger equation and stationary states. Expectation values.
Atomic Physics:
First atomic models and their shortcomings. Hydrogen atom: energy spectrum, angular momentum and eigenfunctions. Electron spin. Pauli exclusion principle. Helium atom, singlet and triplet states. Many-electron atoms, periodic system of elements. Atomic spectroscopy.
Molecular physics:
Adiabatic approximation. The ionized hydrogen molecule. The hydrogen molecule. Homonuclear and heteronuclear diatomic molecules.Polyatomic molecules. Molecular vibrations. Molecular Spectroscopy.
Condensed matter physics:
Structure of liquids, amorphous solids and crystals. X-ray diffraction. Types of crystals: molecular, ionic, covalent and metallic. Boltzmann distribution, equipartition of energy. Quantum statistics: bosons and fermions. Phonons and specific heat of solids. Free electron model of metals: electrical conductivity and specific heat.
Glass Transition (3 cfu)
- 1. Phenomenology of glass transitions
2. Deformation in viscoelastic systems and temperature dependence
3. Structural relaxation and correlation with vibrational dynamics
4. Fundamentals of phase transitions, ideal glass transitions
5. Amorphous and semi-crystalline polymers
6. Entropy and elasticity in high flexibility polymers
7. Flory derivation for head-tail distance in polymers
- 1. Phenomenology of glass transitions
2. Deformation in viscoelastic systems and temperature dependence
3. Structural relaxation and correlation with vibrational dynamics
4. Fundamentals of phase transitions, ideal glass transitions
5. Amorphous and semi-crystalline polymers
6. Entropy and elasticity in high flexibility polymers
7. Flory derivation for head-tail distance in polymers
12 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR2 per Biomaterials
- Due a scelta tra: Solid State Physicochemical Methods o Solid State NMR Spectroscopy in Pharmaceutical and Material Science, Chemistry of Soft Matter, Disordered and off-Equilibrium Systems, Polymeric Materials for Special Applications, Green Chemistry for Materials and Processes
Disordered and off-Equilibrium Systems (6 cfu)
- 1. Non-periodical long range positional order: quasi-crystals
2. Disorder in long range positional atomic systems (cellular disorder)
3. Disorder in atomic systems without long range interactions (topological disorder)
4. Disorder in polymeric systems
5. Supercooled metastable states and glass transition in liquids
6. Elements of non-equilibrium thermodynamics
7. Polymeric chain dynamics
8. Non-equilibrium states in active matter
9. Scattering from disordered systems: generalities
10. Photon scattering (X-rays and light)
11. Neutron scattering
- 1. Non-periodical long range positional order: quasi-crystals
2. Disorder in long range positional atomic systems (cellular disorder)
3. Disorder in atomic systems without long range interactions (topological disorder)
4. Disorder in polymeric systems
5. Supercooled metastable states and glass transition in liquids
6. Elements of non-equilibrium thermodynamics
7. Polymeric chain dynamics
8. Non-equilibrium states in active matter
9. Scattering from disordered systems: generalities
10. Photon scattering (X-rays and light)
11. Neutron scattering
Green Chemistry for Materials and Processes (6 cfu)
- The course aims to provide the knowledge and skills useful in designing chemicals, products, materials, and plants with minimal impact on human health and the environment.
The concepts that will be presented are the emerging ones of the Green Chemistry:
Atom Economy, and Green Chemistry Metrics, Material Efficiency and Strategic Synthesis Design; Green catalysis: heterogeneous catalysis and biocatalysis; Green solvents, such as supercritical fluids, ionic liquids, water, bio-based solvents, nontoxic liquid polymers, and their various combinations; Conversion of renewable biomass into valuable chemicals, materials (bioplastics) and energy; Designing and synthesizing materials with appropriate lifetimes; Intensification of chemical processes: intensification of reaction and chemical processes.
- The course aims to provide the knowledge and skills useful in designing chemicals, products, materials, and plants with minimal impact on human health and the environment.
The concepts that will be presented are the emerging ones of the Green Chemistry:
Atom Economy, and Green Chemistry Metrics, Material Efficiency and Strategic Synthesis Design; Green catalysis: heterogeneous catalysis and biocatalysis; Green solvents, such as supercritical fluids, ionic liquids, water, bio-based solvents, nontoxic liquid polymers, and their various combinations; Conversion of renewable biomass into valuable chemicals, materials (bioplastics) and energy; Designing and synthesizing materials with appropriate lifetimes; Intensification of chemical processes: intensification of reaction and chemical processes.
Solid State Physicochemical Methods (6 cfu)
- This course deals with subjects of molecular spectroscopy which have a fundamental importance for the characterization of materials. Its aim consists in giving to the students a basis concerning the physicochemical aspects of the most important spectroscopic techniques, as well as an overview of their possible applications.
Course outline
The following aspects will be treated:
Basics of molecular spectroscopy: the electromagnetic spectrum, electromagnetic radiations and their interaction with molecules (absorption, emission, scattering), energy levels and different types of transitions, etc.
Hints on several bulk spectroscopic techniques: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, Mossbauer, etc.
Solid state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: the nuclear spin, nuclear interactions, basics theory, peculiarities of the solid state, different techniques and their applications to the study of structure and dynamics of different classes of materials.
Physico-chemical methods for the study of the surfaces of materials will also be treated, as for instance Raman scattering and photoelectronic spectroscopies.
- This course deals with subjects of molecular spectroscopy which have a fundamental importance for the characterization of materials. Its aim consists in giving to the students a basis concerning the physicochemical aspects of the most important spectroscopic techniques, as well as an overview of their possible applications.
Course outline
The following aspects will be treated:
Basics of molecular spectroscopy: the electromagnetic spectrum, electromagnetic radiations and their interaction with molecules (absorption, emission, scattering), energy levels and different types of transitions, etc.
Hints on several bulk spectroscopic techniques: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, Mossbauer, etc.
Solid state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: the nuclear spin, nuclear interactions, basics theory, peculiarities of the solid state, different techniques and their applications to the study of structure and dynamics of different classes of materials.
Physico-chemical methods for the study of the surfaces of materials will also be treated, as for instance Raman scattering and photoelectronic spectroscopies.
Polymeric Materials for Special Applications (6 cfu)
- The course aims at providing a wide understanding of modern science and technology of polymeric materials with the principal objective of achieving a good knowledge of the chemical fundamentals of the design, preparation and application of polymers in a variety of advanced applications.
Main topics will deal with:
-Basic principles of the industrial chemistry of polymers, mainly synthetic polymers as well as natural polymers.
-Special features concerned with the molecular design, preparation and characterization of polymers starting from both petrochemicals, fine chemicals and chemicals from renewable resources.
-Analysis of the main physical-chemical properties, in view of current and prospective uses in e.g. optical and photonic devices, liquid crystalline fibers and composites, high performance and engineering plastics, environmentally friendly and biodegradable polymer systems.
The student will learn criteria for selection of more actual and profitable products and processes and will know how to tackle the current issues associated with science and technology for industrial production and its social-economical and environmental impact. He/she will be able to define structure-reactivity and structure-property relationships for special polymers in view of their practical performance in specific application fields.
- The course aims at providing a wide understanding of modern science and technology of polymeric materials with the principal objective of achieving a good knowledge of the chemical fundamentals of the design, preparation and application of polymers in a variety of advanced applications.
Main topics will deal with:
-Basic principles of the industrial chemistry of polymers, mainly synthetic polymers as well as natural polymers.
-Special features concerned with the molecular design, preparation and characterization of polymers starting from both petrochemicals, fine chemicals and chemicals from renewable resources.
-Analysis of the main physical-chemical properties, in view of current and prospective uses in e.g. optical and photonic devices, liquid crystalline fibers and composites, high performance and engineering plastics, environmentally friendly and biodegradable polymer systems.
The student will learn criteria for selection of more actual and profitable products and processes and will know how to tackle the current issues associated with science and technology for industrial production and its social-economical and environmental impact. He/she will be able to define structure-reactivity and structure-property relationships for special polymers in view of their practical performance in specific application fields.
Chemistry of Soft Matter (6 cfu)
- The course aims at:
-Understanding the general concepts of the chemistry of polymers, colloids and interfaces.
-Knowing key methods of polymerisation, and their applicability in soft matter.
-Explaining the polymeric properties, and the methods utilised to assess these properties.
-Explaining the relationships between polymer preparation, structure and properties.
-Describing the applications of polymers and understanding which polymers are suitable for which applications.
Course outline
Fundamentals of soft polymeric materials with special emphasis on the definition, classification, structure of monomers and polymers, their tacticity and molecular weight. Polymer chemistry (synthesis of polymers and the different mechanisms involved), polymer physics (the semi-crystalline state, the thermal transitions in polymers, structure-property relationships) and the mechanical behaviour of macromolecules are also described. Surface tension, adsorption and surface activity, micelle formation and colloids: examples and applications. General description of the importance of physical and chemical properties of soft matter as applied in advanced materials.
- The course aims at:
-Understanding the general concepts of the chemistry of polymers, colloids and interfaces.
-Knowing key methods of polymerisation, and their applicability in soft matter.
-Explaining the polymeric properties, and the methods utilised to assess these properties.
-Explaining the relationships between polymer preparation, structure and properties.
-Describing the applications of polymers and understanding which polymers are suitable for which applications.
Course outline
Fundamentals of soft polymeric materials with special emphasis on the definition, classification, structure of monomers and polymers, their tacticity and molecular weight. Polymer chemistry (synthesis of polymers and the different mechanisms involved), polymer physics (the semi-crystalline state, the thermal transitions in polymers, structure-property relationships) and the mechanical behaviour of macromolecules are also described. Surface tension, adsorption and surface activity, micelle formation and colloids: examples and applications. General description of the importance of physical and chemical properties of soft matter as applied in advanced materials.
Solid State NMR Spectroscopy in Pharmaceutical and Material Science (6 cfu)
- Basics of molecular spectroscopy: the electromagnetic spectrum, electromagnetic radiations and their interaction with molecules (absorption, emission, scattering), energy levels and different types of transitions, populations of the energy levels at the thermal equilibrium.
Brief overview of the different spectroscopic techniques: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, Optical, Raman, Photoelectronic, and Mossbauer spectroscopies.
Basic theory of NMR: the nuclear spin, nuclear interactions, relaxation times.
NMR applied to the solid state: peculiarities, comparison with solution state NMR, the role of anisotropies. 1D low- and high-resolution experiments, 2D separation and correlation techniques. Spin diffusion.
Applications of solid state NMR to the study of the structure and dynamics of several classes of materials: pharmaceuticals, porous materials, materials for energy, building, tyre industries, etc.
- Basics of molecular spectroscopy: the electromagnetic spectrum, electromagnetic radiations and their interaction with molecules (absorption, emission, scattering), energy levels and different types of transitions, populations of the energy levels at the thermal equilibrium.
Brief overview of the different spectroscopic techniques: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, Optical, Raman, Photoelectronic, and Mossbauer spectroscopies.
Basic theory of NMR: the nuclear spin, nuclear interactions, relaxation times.
NMR applied to the solid state: peculiarities, comparison with solution state NMR, the role of anisotropies. 1D low- and high-resolution experiments, 2D separation and correlation techniques. Spin diffusion.
Applications of solid state NMR to the study of the structure and dynamics of several classes of materials: pharmaceuticals, porous materials, materials for energy, building, tyre industries, etc.
Polymer Science and Engineering (6 cfu)
- Molecular structure of polymers: thermoplastics and thermosets, definitions and types. Polymer chain flexibility. Chain conformations in polymers. Review of classical and statistical thermodynamics, configuration and conformation of isolated polymer chains, the rotational isomeric state model, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of polymer solutions, scaling theory, single chain dynamics, scattering (light, x-ray, neutron).Rubber elasticity. Amorphous state and glass transition. Free volume theory &Tg. Crystalline state and crystallization.
Thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and thermomechanical analysis) is explained, together with brief description of instruments and data analysis. Characterization of orientation, morphology, superstructure in polymers using x-ray, light scattering, birefringence, dichroism. Crystallography, unit cell determination. Spectroscopy theory. UV-Visible Spectroscopy. Infra-Red Spectroscopy. NMR spectroscopy.
Definitions of Polymer Processing. Extrusion lines. Injection molding processes. Blow molding Processes. Application of Rheology in Polymer Processing: Simple die and injection mold design. Screw types and definitions. Screw design: metering zone. Isothermal and adiabatic extrusion equations.
- Molecular structure of polymers: thermoplastics and thermosets, definitions and types. Polymer chain flexibility. Chain conformations in polymers. Review of classical and statistical thermodynamics, configuration and conformation of isolated polymer chains, the rotational isomeric state model, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of polymer solutions, scaling theory, single chain dynamics, scattering (light, x-ray, neutron).Rubber elasticity. Amorphous state and glass transition. Free volume theory &Tg. Crystalline state and crystallization.
Tirocinio (15 cfu)
Final examination (15 cfu)
12 cfu a scelta nel gruppo LIBERA SCELTA: Attività a libera scelta per Biomaterials
- 12 cfu a scelta tra gli esami indicati e gli esami degli altri indirizzi
Electron Microscopy of Nanomaterials (6 cfu)
- 1. Introduction to SEM imaging
2. Microanalysis and EDS mapping
3. Interaction of electron with matter
4. Basics of crystallography
5. Basic TEM operation
6. Electron diffraction
7. Imaging and image theory
8. Electron crystallography
9. TEM, STEM, EELS, EDS in a TEM
- 1. Introduction to SEM imaging
2. Microanalysis and EDS mapping
3. Interaction of electron with matter
4. Basics of crystallography
5. Basic TEM operation
6. Electron diffraction
7. Imaging and image theory
8. Electron crystallography
9. TEM, STEM, EELS, EDS in a TEM
Advanced Ceramics and Smart Glasses (6 cfu)
- Ceramic introduction: general properties, classification of ceramics (traditional and advanced ceramics), oxides, non-oxides and composites, amorphous and crystalline. Ceramic microstructures: crystal chemistry, bond energy and properties. Types of imperfections in ceramics, Frenkel and Schottky defects, Kroger-Vink notation. Ceramic microstructures: XRD and ceramic applications.
Main properties of ceramic materials: porosity, mechanical - thermal, chemical and functional properties. Structure-properties correlations. Ceramic phase diagrams.
Ceramic production processes. Mixing, grinding, homogenization, wet and dry processing. Forming/shaping process: powder pressing, wet molding, casting and extrusion. Main characterization techniques for ceramic materials. Sintering: theory and applications.
Advanced Ceramics and ceramic matrix composite: examples and applications (structural, biomedical, aerospace...). Ceramic Composite Manufacturing (Liquid, solid and gas route). Toughening Mechanism of CMC. Ceramic Matrix composites applications. Microwave assisted chemical vapour infiltration of silicon carbide composites. Theoretical and practical explanation.
Zirconia-based ceramics. Zirconia powder production process. Aging, forming, heating and zirconia applications.
Nanoceramics. Nanoceramics for biomedical applications.
Smart glasses. Smart glasses characterization.
- Ceramic introduction: general properties, classification of ceramics (traditional and advanced ceramics), oxides, non-oxides and composites, amorphous and crystalline. Ceramic microstructures: crystal chemistry, bond energy and properties. Types of imperfections in ceramics, Frenkel and Schottky defects, Kroger-Vink notation. Ceramic microstructures: XRD and ceramic applications.
Main properties of ceramic materials: porosity, mechanical - thermal, chemical and functional properties. Structure-properties correlations. Ceramic phase diagrams.
Ceramic production processes. Mixing, grinding, homogenization, wet and dry processing. Forming/shaping process: powder pressing, wet molding, casting and extrusion. Main characterization techniques for ceramic materials. Sintering: theory and applications.
Advanced Ceramics and ceramic matrix composite: examples and applications (structural, biomedical, aerospace...). Ceramic Composite Manufacturing (Liquid, solid and gas route). Toughening Mechanism of CMC. Ceramic Matrix composites applications. Microwave assisted chemical vapour infiltration of silicon carbide composites. Theoretical and practical explanation.
Zirconia-based ceramics. Zirconia powder production process. Aging, forming, heating and zirconia applications.
Nanoceramics. Nanoceramics for biomedical applications.
Smart glasses. Smart glasses characterization.
Computational mechanics of materials (6 cfu)
- By the end of the course, students will learn the theoretical fundamentals of the finite element method for the analysis of the linear and non-linear mechanical responses of materials. They will be able to apply the finite element method to solve practical problems in the mechanics of materials. In particular, they will be able to choose the most appropriate modelling approaches, types of elements, levels of discretisation, etc., as well as the most suitable solution methods; besides, they will be able to analyse critically the obtained results.
- By the end of the course, students will learn the theoretical fundamentals of the finite element method for the analysis of the linear and non-linear mechanical responses of materials. They will be able to apply the finite element method to solve practical problems in the mechanics of materials. In particular, they will be able to choose the most appropriate modelling approaches, types of elements, levels of discretisation, etc., as well as the most suitable solution methods; besides, they will be able to analyse critically the obtained results.
Fundamentals of biophysics at the nanoscale (6 cfu)
- 1. Measurements in microscopy and spectroscopy:
Noise in measurements, experimental uncertainties, basics of probability distributions, propagation of uncertainties. Transmission, reflection and epifluorescence microscopy. Magnification and resolution; contrast techniques; spherical and chromatic aberrations; hints on optical filters and dichroics.
Confocal microscopy: set-up, point spread function, hints on deconvolution, comparison with TIRF and 2-photon microscopy. Light-matter interaction: fundamentals (also quantum mechanics) and setups for absorption, fluorescence, Raman, and multiphoton excitation. Jablonski diagrams and properties of fluorescence. Organic dyes: chemical structures and exploitation in fluorescence microscopy.
Hints on fluorescent quantum dots. Fluorescent proteins, GFP family. Diffusion and Brownian motion. Techniques in fluorescence microscopy: colocalization, FRAP-like techniques, FRET, FLIM (fundamentals, instruments, phasors), FCS, super-resolution (RESOLFT, STED, F-PALM, SIM), single molecule spectroscopy and tracking.
2. Basis of molecular and cellular biology:
Introduction to the structure of biological molecule. Fluorescent proteins and their photophysics. Prokaryotes vs eukaryotes. General organization of the eukaryotic cell. Cytoplasm: membrane structure and transport, intracellular compartments, cytoskeleton, cell signalling. The nucleus: chromosomal DNA and its organization, the Nuclear Pore Complex and nucleus-cytoplasmic transport. Cell cycle and cell division. Cell death.
- 1. Measurements in microscopy and spectroscopy:
Noise in measurements, experimental uncertainties, basics of probability distributions, propagation of uncertainties. Transmission, reflection and epifluorescence microscopy. Magnification and resolution; contrast techniques; spherical and chromatic aberrations; hints on optical filters and dichroics.
Confocal microscopy: set-up, point spread function, hints on deconvolution, comparison with TIRF and 2-photon microscopy. Light-matter interaction: fundamentals (also quantum mechanics) and setups for absorption, fluorescence, Raman, and multiphoton excitation. Jablonski diagrams and properties of fluorescence. Organic dyes: chemical structures and exploitation in fluorescence microscopy.
Hints on fluorescent quantum dots. Fluorescent proteins, GFP family. Diffusion and Brownian motion. Techniques in fluorescence microscopy: colocalization, FRAP-like techniques, FRET, FLIM (fundamentals, instruments, phasors), FCS, super-resolution (RESOLFT, STED, F-PALM, SIM), single molecule spectroscopy and tracking.
2. Basis of molecular and cellular biology:
Introduction to the structure of biological molecule. Fluorescent proteins and their photophysics. Prokaryotes vs eukaryotes. General organization of the eukaryotic cell. Cytoplasm: membrane structure and transport, intracellular compartments, cytoskeleton, cell signalling. The nucleus: chromosomal DNA and its organization, the Nuclear Pore Complex and nucleus-cytoplasmic transport. Cell cycle and cell division. Cell death.
Physics of Bio-systems (9 cfu)
- The course will focus on the physics relevant for active matter, starting from the understanding of the mechanisms regulating the processes in "model" biological systems to get to the characterization of "bio-inspired" systems and biomimetic materials, introducing new models and approaches of strong relevance in materials science.
Attention will be given to structures, symmetries, molecular interactions, self-assembly processes, mechanical and mechano-sensitive properties of biological systems relevant in the development of innovative actuators and materials.
The most recent imaging techniques in the field of fluorescence and super-resolution optical microscopy will be covered, along with their applications to the study of processes and of the molecular interactions in relevant biological systems.
- The course will focus on the physics relevant for active matter, starting from the understanding of the mechanisms regulating the processes in "model" biological systems to get to the characterization of "bio-inspired" systems and biomimetic materials, introducing new models and approaches of strong relevance in materials science.
Attention will be given to structures, symmetries, molecular interactions, self-assembly processes, mechanical and mechano-sensitive properties of biological systems relevant in the development of innovative actuators and materials.
The most recent imaging techniques in the field of fluorescence and super-resolution optical microscopy will be covered, along with their applications to the study of processes and of the molecular interactions in relevant biological systems.
Bioinformatics (6 cfu)
Physics of the Matter and Nanotechnology Lab (9 cfu)
- Electromagnetic propagation in homogeneous media. Polarisation of an electromagnetic wave. Laws of reflection and refraction. Interference. Optical Fibres.
- Electromagnetic propagation in homogeneous media. Polarisation of an electromagnetic wave. Laws of reflection and refraction. Interference. Optical Fibres.
Composite Materials Science and Engineering (6 cfu)
- Fibers and Matrices. Micromechanics of composites: Longitudinal behavior of unidirectional composites; Transverse Properties; Shear properties and poison ratio. Stress concentration, fracture and fracture mechanisms of composites. Thermal Expansion Coefficients. Short Fiber Reinforced Composites. Polymeric Foams. Adhesion and adhesive. Rheological behavior of thermosets, vulcanization of rubbers, time-temperature-transition relationships in thermosets. Fabrication of the composites. Reaction injection molding, compression/transfer molding, pultrusion.
Advanced CeramicMatrix Composite Materials (CMCs): carbon/carbon (C/C), carbon/silicon carbide (C/SiC), silicon carbide/silicon carbide composites, LSI, PIP, CVI technologies.
- Fibers and Matrices. Micromechanics of composites: Longitudinal behavior of unidirectional composites; Transverse Properties; Shear properties and poison ratio. Stress concentration, fracture and fracture mechanisms of composites. Thermal Expansion Coefficients. Short Fiber Reinforced Composites. Polymeric Foams. Adhesion and adhesive. Rheological behavior of thermosets, vulcanization of rubbers, time-temperature-transition relationships in thermosets. Fabrication of the composites. Reaction injection molding, compression/transfer molding, pultrusion.
Advanced CeramicMatrix Composite Materials (CMCs): carbon/carbon (C/C), carbon/silicon carbide (C/SiC), silicon carbide/silicon carbide composites, LSI, PIP, CVI technologies.
Interaction of Electromagnetic Waves with Complex Media (6 cfu)
- Interaction of Electromagnetic Waves with Complex Media.
Obiettiviformativi:The course reviews the constitutive parameters of classical materials and introduces the methods for retrieving these parameters from measurements. Complex materials obtained with inclusions of dielectric or metallic particles into homogeneous media are addressed. Theory of wave propagation in complex media are presented and applied to metamaterial transmission lines and periodic structures.
- Interaction of Electromagnetic Waves with Complex Media.
Obiettiviformativi:The course reviews the constitutive parameters of classical materials and introduces the methods for retrieving these parameters from measurements. Complex materials obtained with inclusions of dielectric or metallic particles into homogeneous media are addressed. Theory of wave propagation in complex media are presented and applied to metamaterial transmission lines and periodic structures.
Materials and Devices for Nanoscale Electronics (6 cfu)
- The course includes an in-depth discussion of the scaling of CMOS devices (both constant-field and generalized scaling); an analysis of the main nonidealities, such as hot-electron effects, drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL), random distribution of dopants, limitations in the subthreshold slope and in the speed of propagation of signals, role of new materials and geometries in the new generations of devices; computation of conductance through a ballistic device; the concept of Coulomb blockade and its application to single-electron transistors; heterostructures based on compound semiconductors and their usage for HEMTs (high electron mobility transistors), quantum devices, and non-invasive charge detectors. A further set of topics is chosen according to the preferences expressed by the students, and typical selections are carbon electronics, quantum computing, molecular electronics, technological processes for the fabrication of nanodevices.
- The course includes an in-depth discussion of the scaling of CMOS devices (both constant-field and generalized scaling); an analysis of the main nonidealities, such as hot-electron effects, drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL), random distribution of dopants, limitations in the subthreshold slope and in the speed of propagation of signals, role of new materials and geometries in the new generations of devices; computation of conductance through a ballistic device; the concept of Coulomb blockade and its application to single-electron transistors; heterostructures based on compound semiconductors and their usage for HEMTs (high electron mobility transistors), quantum devices, and non-invasive charge detectors. A further set of topics is chosen according to the preferences expressed by the students, and typical selections are carbon electronics, quantum computing, molecular electronics, technological processes for the fabrication of nanodevices.
Development Biology of Stem Cell (3 cfu)
- 1) Definition of stem cell; methods of division and differentiation potential; general properties of the stem niche; types of adult stem cells; the male and female germinal stem niches of drosophila; introduction to the adult neural stem niche. The embryonic neural stem cell and its lineage; radial glia and embryonic neurogenesis; positional and histological identity; corticogenesis and radial migration; nerogenetic timing of the cortical layers; embryonic neural stem niche.
2) Discovery and characterization of the neurogenetic properties of radial glial cells. Comparison between invertebrate neurogenesis and vertebrate neurogenesis. Description of Notch signaling in invertebrates. Lateral inhibition in invertebrates. conservation of the molecular mechanisms of lateral inhibition (proneural genes, neurogenic genes and their interaction) in vertebrates.
3) The adult stem cell neurogenetic niche. Brief description of the different niches. The VZ-SVZ niche as a paradigm for controlling neural stemness. the four cellular components of the niche: cells E, B, C and A. "Pinwheel" structure of the niche. Extrinsic signals and intrinsic control signals of stemness. Control of the niche by Vcam1 and by the Notch, SHH, EGF and BMP reports. Paracrine influence of neurotransmitters GABA and 5-HT, and of IL-1, on stemness
4) The qNSC / aNSC balance control in the adult neurogenic niche of V-SVZ (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.stemcr.2016.08.016). The role of SHH in controlling the pool of NSCs in the adult neruogenetic niche of the SGZ (DOI: https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.42918)
5) The adult intestinal stem cell niche. Adult hematopoietic stem cells. Mesenchymal cells as an example of mutlipotent adult stem cells.
6) Mouse embryonic stem cells: ground state and primed cells, chemical niches for the maintenance of pluripotency. Differentiation of pluripotent cells in vitro mimics the early development of embryonic tissues. Role of different intracellular signaling in the differentiation of pluripotent cells towards distinct differentiation fates in vitro. Human embryonic and reprogrammed pluripotent cells, and their use for cell therapy and disease modeling. Mesoendodermal and cerebral organoids. Molecular mechanisms underlying the maintenance of ground state pluripotency: role of ERK and Wnt signaling.
7) Cellular reprogramming according to the "Yamanaka" protocol: role of transcription factors of pluripotency. Cellular competence in reprogramming. Chromatin properties of pluripotent cells. Hyper-transcriptional pluripotent chromatin model and differentiation by tissue-specific inhibition of transcription through epigenetic remodeling. Role of RNA interference in the control of the expression of chromatin remodelers and modifiers essential to the transition from ground-state pluripotency to epiblast.
8) Dual role of the SOX2 transcription factor in pluripotency and neuralization. Experimental evidence of tissue-specific SOX2 / OCT4 and SOX2 / BRN2 heteroduplex formation and their differentiated control of pluripotency and neural gene targets, respectively. Definition of Lamin-associated domains (LADs) and their study during cell differentiation. Evidence of conformational chromatin changes underlying tissue-specific transcriptional competence.
- 1) Definition of stem cell; methods of division and differentiation potential; general properties of the stem niche; types of adult stem cells; the male and female germinal stem niches of drosophila; introduction to the adult neural stem niche. The embryonic neural stem cell and its lineage; radial glia and embryonic neurogenesis; positional and histological identity; corticogenesis and radial migration; nerogenetic timing of the cortical layers; embryonic neural stem niche.
2) Discovery and characterization of the neurogenetic properties of radial glial cells. Comparison between invertebrate neurogenesis and vertebrate neurogenesis. Description of Notch signaling in invertebrates. Lateral inhibition in invertebrates. conservation of the molecular mechanisms of lateral inhibition (proneural genes, neurogenic genes and their interaction) in vertebrates.
3) The adult stem cell neurogenetic niche. Brief description of the different niches. The VZ-SVZ niche as a paradigm for controlling neural stemness. the four cellular components of the niche: cells E, B, C and A. "Pinwheel" structure of the niche. Extrinsic signals and intrinsic control signals of stemness. Control of the niche by Vcam1 and by the Notch, SHH, EGF and BMP reports. Paracrine influence of neurotransmitters GABA and 5-HT, and of IL-1, on stemness
4) The qNSC / aNSC balance control in the adult neurogenic niche of V-SVZ (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.stemcr.2016.08.016). The role of SHH in controlling the pool of NSCs in the adult neruogenetic niche of the SGZ (DOI: https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.42918)
5) The adult intestinal stem cell niche. Adult hematopoietic stem cells. Mesenchymal cells as an example of mutlipotent adult stem cells.
6) Mouse embryonic stem cells: ground state and primed cells, chemical niches for the maintenance of pluripotency. Differentiation of pluripotent cells in vitro mimics the early development of embryonic tissues. Role of different intracellular signaling in the differentiation of pluripotent cells towards distinct differentiation fates in vitro. Human embryonic and reprogrammed pluripotent cells, and their use for cell therapy and disease modeling. Mesoendodermal and cerebral organoids. Molecular mechanisms underlying the maintenance of ground state pluripotency: role of ERK and Wnt signaling.
7) Cellular reprogramming according to the "Yamanaka" protocol: role of transcription factors of pluripotency. Cellular competence in reprogramming. Chromatin properties of pluripotent cells. Hyper-transcriptional pluripotent chromatin model and differentiation by tissue-specific inhibition of transcription through epigenetic remodeling. Role of RNA interference in the control of the expression of chromatin remodelers and modifiers essential to the transition from ground-state pluripotency to epiblast.
8) Dual role of the SOX2 transcription factor in pluripotency and neuralization. Experimental evidence of tissue-specific SOX2 / OCT4 and SOX2 / BRN2 heteroduplex formation and their differentiated control of pluripotency and neural gene targets, respectively. Definition of Lamin-associated domains (LADs) and their study during cell differentiation. Evidence of conformational chromatin changes underlying tissue-specific transcriptional competence.
6 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR5: per Biomaterials
- Uno a scelta tra: Electron Microscopy of Nanomaterials, Multi-scale Modelling in Materials Design, Biofluids and materials Interactions, Manufacturing of polymers and nanocomposites for biomedical application
Electron Microscopy of Nanomaterials (6 cfu)
- 1. Introduction to SEM imaging
2. Microanalysis and EDS mapping
3. Interaction of electron with matter
4. Basics of crystallography
5. Basic TEM operation
6. Electron diffraction
7. Imaging and image theory
8. Electron crystallography
9. TEM, STEM, EELS, EDS in a TEM
- 1. Introduction to SEM imaging
2. Microanalysis and EDS mapping
3. Interaction of electron with matter
4. Basics of crystallography
5. Basic TEM operation
6. Electron diffraction
7. Imaging and image theory
8. Electron crystallography
9. TEM, STEM, EELS, EDS in a TEM
Multi-scale Modelling in Materials Design (6 cfu)
- The course will review the fundamental computational approaches for materials modeling in the framework of a hierarchical multi-scale paradigm: first-principles methods, classical and reactive molecular dynamics, coarse-grained methods and continuum methods. The basic theory at the base of each approach will be outlined with a quick summary of the main (open-source) codes available for each described computational method. By reviewing the latest advances in the scientific literature, it will be shown how multi-scale computational modeling is gaining a pivotal role in the field of computational materials science and how it is used to understand and design new structures and new materials following a “bottom-up” approach from atomistic to real-world scale resolution. In the perspective of applying multi-scale modeling to the investigation and design of materials for technological applications with peculiar response properties, the attention of the course will be put on basic structure/property relationships applied to a variety of both inorganic (nano-composite) and bio-based materials.
- The course will review the fundamental computational approaches for materials modeling in the framework of a hierarchical multi-scale paradigm: first-principles methods, classical and reactive molecular dynamics, coarse-grained methods and continuum methods. The basic theory at the base of each approach will be outlined with a quick summary of the main (open-source) codes available for each described computational method. By reviewing the latest advances in the scientific literature, it will be shown how multi-scale computational modeling is gaining a pivotal role in the field of computational materials science and how it is used to understand and design new structures and new materials following a “bottom-up” approach from atomistic to real-world scale resolution. In the perspective of applying multi-scale modeling to the investigation and design of materials for technological applications with peculiar response properties, the attention of the course will be put on basic structure/property relationships applied to a variety of both inorganic (nano-composite) and bio-based materials.
Manufacturing of polymers and nanocomposites for biomedical application (3 cfu)
- Basics of micro- and nano-manufacturing: Micro- and nanomanufacturing concepts for biomaterials and biomedical devices. Exposure-based lithographies. Photolithography, electron beam methods, lift-off. Two-photon lithography. Soft lithography. Nanoimprint lithography.
Microfluidics: capillary force lithography, Micromolding in capillaries, Applications in microfluidics, Surface functionalization, Organ-on-chip building
Additive Manufacturing: Spinning technologies, 3D Printing, 4D Printing
- Basics of micro- and nano-manufacturing: Micro- and nanomanufacturing concepts for biomaterials and biomedical devices. Exposure-based lithographies. Photolithography, electron beam methods, lift-off. Two-photon lithography. Soft lithography. Nanoimprint lithography.
Microfluidics: capillary force lithography, Micromolding in capillaries, Applications in microfluidics, Surface functionalization, Organ-on-chip building
Additive Manufacturing: Spinning technologies, 3D Printing, 4D Printing
Biofluids and materials Interactions (3 cfu)
- 1) Biocompatibility & Hemocompatibility
2) Body fluids & transport phenomena
3) In vitro biofluids
4) Polymer biodegradation & surface coatings
5) Drug Delivery Systems (DDS)
6) (Bio)material/biofluid interactions
7) Metals & corrosion in body fluids
8) Bioreactors, microfluidics & organs-on-chip
9) Body fluid diagnostics using material
- 1) Biocompatibility & Hemocompatibility
2) Body fluids & transport phenomena
3) In vitro biofluids
4) Polymer biodegradation & surface coatings
5) Drug Delivery Systems (DDS)
6) (Bio)material/biofluid interactions
7) Metals & corrosion in body fluids
8) Bioreactors, microfluidics & organs-on-chip
9) Body fluid diagnostics using material
6 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR6 per Biomaterials
- uno a scelta tra: Cell Biophysics, Introduction to Molecular Biophysics, Medical Imaging and Biosensors (ionising and non-ionising), Nanomedicine and Regenerative Medicine
Nanomedicine and Regenerative Medicine (6 cfu)
Medical Imaging and Biosensors (ionising and non-ionising) (6 cfu)
Introduction to Molecular Biophysics (6 cfu)
- The course will introduce to basic concepts such as the structure of biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, cofactors, lipids) and their functions (structural proteins, enzymes, receptors, membrane proteins; Nucleic acids: storage and transfer of information genetics; cell membrane components).
Experimental methods for molecular spectroscopy (electronic spectroscopy: UV / vis absorption, circular dichroism, fluorescence and phosphorescence; Vibrational spectroscopy of biomolecules: IR and Raman) and structural investigation (X-ray crystallography, NMR and electron microscopy) will be also presented.
Part of the course will be focused to the biomolecular modeling: all atom models, quantum mechanical methods (QM), molecular mechanics and empirical force fields, molecular and accelerated dynamics (replication exchange and metadynamics) and some application to prediction and design of protein structures. The general concepts underlying the multiscale models are also illustrated: PES / FES, collective variables, coarse-grained models, elastic network and Go models, implicit solvent models, implicit membrane models, other “continuous” models.
Finally, some applications will be introduced regarding: membrane receptors and the transmission of nervous signals, bio-non-bio interfaces (eg functionalized nanoparticles), structure and photophysics of fluorescent proteins.
- The course will introduce to basic concepts such as the structure of biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, cofactors, lipids) and their functions (structural proteins, enzymes, receptors, membrane proteins; Nucleic acids: storage and transfer of information genetics; cell membrane components).
Experimental methods for molecular spectroscopy (electronic spectroscopy: UV / vis absorption, circular dichroism, fluorescence and phosphorescence; Vibrational spectroscopy of biomolecules: IR and Raman) and structural investigation (X-ray crystallography, NMR and electron microscopy) will be also presented.
Part of the course will be focused to the biomolecular modeling: all atom models, quantum mechanical methods (QM), molecular mechanics and empirical force fields, molecular and accelerated dynamics (replication exchange and metadynamics) and some application to prediction and design of protein structures. The general concepts underlying the multiscale models are also illustrated: PES / FES, collective variables, coarse-grained models, elastic network and Go models, implicit solvent models, implicit membrane models, other “continuous” models.
Finally, some applications will be introduced regarding: membrane receptors and the transmission of nervous signals, bio-non-bio interfaces (eg functionalized nanoparticles), structure and photophysics of fluorescent proteins.
Cell Biophysics (6 cfu)
- The course revealing the physical bases permeating the complex physical systems that make up the simplest life’s unit, the cell. In particular:
- thermodynamics of biological systems far of equilibrium and the role of natural selection
- nanoscale structures as platforms for biological processes and their regulation
- application of experimental physical techniques to the study of intracellular physical processes, with particular regard to optical microscopy / nanoscopy
- The course revealing the physical bases permeating the complex physical systems that make up the simplest life’s unit, the cell. In particular:
- thermodynamics of biological systems far of equilibrium and the role of natural selection
- nanoscale structures as platforms for biological processes and their regulation
- application of experimental physical techniques to the study of intracellular physical processes, with particular regard to optical microscopy / nanoscopy
Mechanical Behaviour of Materials (6 cfu)
- This course will examine how the microstructure of a material determines its mechanical behaviour ranging from the continuum description of properties to the atomistic and molecular mechanisms that confer those properties to all materials. We will cover elastic and plastic deformation, creep, fracture and fatigue of materials including crystalline and amorphous metals, semiconductors, ceramics, and (bio)polymers, and will focus on the design and processing of materials from the atomic to the macroscale to achieve desired mechanical behavior.
Topics include:
• Introduction to deformation behaviour: Concept of stresses and strains, engineering stresses and strains, Different types of loading and temperature encountered in applications, Tensile Test - stress-strain response for metal, ceramic and polymer, elastic region, yield point, plastic deformation, necking and fracture, Bonding and Material Behaviour, theoretical estimates of yield strength in metals and ceramics.
• Elasticity (the State of Stress and strain, stress and strain tensor, tensor transformation, principal stress and strain, elastic stress-strain relation, anisotropy, elastic behaviour of metals, ceramics and polymers.).
• Viscoelasticity (Molecular foundations of polymer viscoelasticity. Rouse-Bueche theory, Boltzmann superposition principle, mechanical models, distribution of relaxation and retardation times, interrelationships between mechanical spectra, the glass transition, secondary relaxations, dielectric relaxations).
• Plasticity (Hydrostatic and Deviatoric stress, Octahedral stress, yield criteria and yield surface, texture and distortion of yield surface, Limitation of engineering strain at large deformation, true stress and true strain, effective stress, effective strain, flow rules, strain hardening, Ramberg-Osgood equation, stress -strain relation in plasticity, plastic deformation of metals and polymers).
• Microscopic view of plastic deformation: crystals and defects, classification of defects, thermodynamics of defects, geometry of dislocations, slip and glide, dislocation generation - Frank Read and grain boundary sources, stress and strain field around dislocations, force on dislocation - self-stress, dislocation interactions, partial dislocations, twinning, dislocation movement and strain rate, deformation behavior of single crystal, critical resolved shear stress (CRSS), deformation of poly-crystals - Hall-Petch and other hardening mechanisms, grain size effect - source limited plasticity, Hall-Petch breakdown, dislocations in ceramics and glasses.
• Effects of microstructure on the mechanics of polymeric media: deformation modes, yield, rubber toughening, alloys and blends.
• Fracture mechanics (energetics of fracture growth, plasticity at the fracture tip, measurement of fracture toughness, - Linear fracture mechanics -KIC, elasto-plastic fracture mechanics - JIC, Measurement and ASTM standards, Design based on fracture mechanics, effect of environment, effect of microstructure on KIC and JIC, application of fracture mechanics in the design of metals, ceramics, polymers and composites, damage tolerance design, elements of fractography).
• Fatigue (S-N curves, low- and high-cycle fatigue, laboratory testing in fatigue, residual stress, surface and environmental effects, fatigue of cracked components, designing out fatigue failure,Life cycle prediction, Fatigue in metals, ceramics, polymers and composites)
• Creep in crystalline materials (stress-strain-time relationship, creep testing, different stages of creep, creep mechanisms and creep mechanism maps, diffusion, creep and stress rupture, creep under multi-axial loading,microstructural aspects of creep and design of creep resistant alloys, high temperature deformation of ceramics and polymers)
- This course will examine how the microstructure of a material determines its mechanical behaviour ranging from the continuum description of properties to the atomistic and molecular mechanisms that confer those properties to all materials. We will cover elastic and plastic deformation, creep, fracture and fatigue of materials including crystalline and amorphous metals, semiconductors, ceramics, and (bio)polymers, and will focus on the design and processing of materials from the atomic to the macroscale to achieve desired mechanical behavior.
Disordered and off-Equilibrium Systems (6 cfu)
- 1. Non-periodical long range positional order: quasi-crystals
2. Disorder in long range positional atomic systems (cellular disorder)
3. Disorder in atomic systems without long range interactions (topological disorder)
4. Disorder in polymeric systems
5. Supercooled metastable states and glass transition in liquids
6. Elements of non-equilibrium thermodynamics
7. Polymeric chain dynamics
8. Non-equilibrium states in active matter
9. Scattering from disordered systems: generalities
10. Photon scattering (X-rays and light)
11. Neutron scattering
- 1. Non-periodical long range positional order: quasi-crystals
LARGE FACILITIES: SYNCHROTRON AND NEUTRON SOURCES (5 cfu)
- The purpose of this unit is to learn the basics of facilities such as synchrotrons and spallation sources, and the kind of characterisation techniques that they allow. Program:
(1) Particle accelerators, synchrotron radiation and neutron sources. (Basics of particle accelerators: general introduction, types of accelerators, methods of acceleration; circular accelerators, magnetic systems; main accelerator systems: RF, diagnostics; Beam characteristics. Generation of e.m. radiation: Bremsstrahlung, synchrotron radiation, characteristics and generation, insertion devices; beamlines and experiments: the Alba synchrotron; ion accelerators; spallation sources.
(2) Data analysis and elementary scattering theory (Frequentist data analysis; data and errors: a statistical view; classical fitting methods; statistical distributions; hypothesis testing; Bayesian data analysis: bayesian statistics and probability distribution functions; Bayes theorem, measurement, fitting functions; Marcov Chain Montecarlo method; Model selection in Bayesian statistics; basics of X-ray and neutron scattering (Bragg Law; the phase problem; reflectometry and small angle scattering; diffraction of liquids and amorphous materials; inelastic scattering: coherent and incoherent scattering, Van –Hoff functions.
(3) Some synchrotron and Neutron applications (XRD and powder diffraction; EXAFS – XANES; hard X-ray synchrotron imaging Techniques; Neutron applications: inelastic neutrons scattering methods: Time of flight, Spin Echo, Backscattering; magnetism using neutrons; imaging using neutrons; speciallized seminars by ALBA staff; practices at ALBA in the accelerators group: magnetic measurements, RF measurements, vacuum system
- The purpose of this unit is to learn the basics of facilities such as synchrotrons and spallation sources, and the kind of characterisation techniques that they allow. Program:
MOLECULAR AND SOFT CONDENSED MATTER (4 cfu)
- This unit introduces the physics of molecular and macromolecular condensed phases such as liquids, glasses, liquid crystals, plastic and orientationally disordered crystals, polymers and polymer gels.
Course syllabus:
(1) Basics of molecular condensed matter:
introduction (polymorphism, glasses, complex fluids: mesophases & polymers); classification and mechanism of phase transitions (first order, continuous, glassy; nucleation and growth); van der Waals theory; microscopic constituents, effective interactions, disorder & dynamics; experimental tools & linear response theory; Boltzmann distribution and partition function
(2) Single component systems: structural glasses, primary and secondary relaxations, aged and stable glasses; orientationally disordered solids and plastic crystals; amorphous and semicrystalline linear polymers; rotational isomeric state model; ideal chains and entanglement, normal and segmental relaxations; viscoelasticity; polymers networks, gelation and rubber elasticity; conjugated and conductive polymers; thermotropic liquid crystals and liquid crystal polymers)
(3) Introduction to binary systems and binary equilibrium and non-equilibrium phase diagrams: heterointeractions; glass-forming mixtures; binary plastic crystals; polymer blends, solutions, and dispersions; block copolymers; polymer gels and hydrogels, swelling; superhydrophobic, superhydrophilic/olephobic, superamphiphilic, and self-healing polymer coatings. Self-assembly in condensed matter: biopolymers, helix-coil & coil-globule transitions; surfactant-water systems, biomembranes, lyotropic liquid crystals, emulsions; semiflexible polymers & cytoskeleton; colloidal systems (glasses, crystals, nematics, gels);
Applications to drug encapsulation, controlled drug release, and drug delivery.
- This unit introduces the physics of molecular and macromolecular condensed phases such as liquids, glasses, liquid crystals, plastic and orientationally disordered crystals, polymers and polymer gels.
MATERIALS SCIENCE OF DRUGS (4 cfu)
- The purpose of this unit is to provide an overview of the thermodynamics of phase equilibrium and phase transitions, with application to the polymorphism of drugs, and to introduce binary phase diagrams and the non-equilibrium glass state, with applications in the field of amorphous drugs.
Course syllabus:
(1) Basic concepts of crystallography: translational order, unit cell, Bravais lattices. Point groups, space groups, crystal systems. Crystallographic planes, reciprocal lattice, Miller indices. From crystal system to molecular structure and geometry: crystals with a base and molecular crystals. Calculation and modelling of diffraction patterns from atomic and structure scattering factors. Solid-state polymorphism of drugs and other organic molecules.
(2) Phase Equilibrium and phase transitions (Thermodynamic Potentials for hydrostatic pvT systems; Maxwell relations; TdS equations; General conditions for equilibrium; Fluctuations; Le Châtelier principle)
(3) Phase transitions and topological pressure-temperature phase diagram (Equilibrium conditions for hydrostatic pvT systems; First-order phase transitions: Clausius-Clapeyron equation. Stability and metastability domains; High-order phase transitions. Group-subgroup phase transitions. Second harmonic generation; Critical and triple points; Topological P-T phase diagram.
(4) Landau theory for phase transitions. Ferroelastic phase transitions. Long-range anisotropic interactions. Self-accommodation. Structural phase transitions. Mechanistic and kinetic classification of phase transitions.
(5) Phases out of equilibrium (Glass state and glass transition; dynamics and structural relation in the glass state; pressure dependence of the glass transition temperature; non-equilibrium phases and mesophases of drugs)
(6) Binary systems (thermodynamics of mixing, thermodynamic potential; types of binary phase diagrams: eutectic, metatectic and peritectic; solubility and miscibility; metastable and unstable states; nucleation vs spinoidal decomposition.
The course will include laboratory sessions.
- The purpose of this unit is to provide an overview of the thermodynamics of phase equilibrium and phase transitions, with application to the polymorphism of drugs, and to introduce binary phase diagrams and the non-equilibrium glass state, with applications in the field of amorphous drugs.
SHORT INTERNSHIP (Introduction to research projects) (5 cfu)
- After completion of the internship, the students will have hands-on, operative knowledge of a research project carried out either at a university, research institute or facility, or private company. They will actively participate in a line of research or development of a product, and become acquainted with the work environment which is the target of the Erasmus Mundus programme.
- After completion of the internship, the students will have hands-on, operative knowledge of a research project carried out either at a university, research institute or facility, or private company. They will actively participate in a line of research or development of a product, and become acquainted with the work environment which is the target of the Erasmus Mundus programme.
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ENGLISH (OR OTHER FOREIGN LANGUAGE) (4 cfu)
- Build confidence and the ability to evolve in a professional environment where English (or other foreign language) is the language of communication, both written and spoken.
Program summary (adaptable according to levels):
• English (or other foreign language) conversation
• Business English (or other foreign language): interview, resume, phone calls, meetings, negotiations, oral presentations, evolution in a multicultural environment ...
• TOEIC training
• Specificities of specialty English (or other foreign language)
- Build confidence and the ability to evolve in a professional environment where English (or other foreign language) is the language of communication, both written and spoken.
6 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR1 per BIOPHAM
- One between: Quantum Physics of Matter and Solid State Physics 1
Solid State Physics 1 (6 cfu)
- Electrons in a one-dimensional periodic potential. Electron tunneling through a periodic potential. Velocity, quasimomentum and effective mass of an electron in a band. Geometric description of crystals: direct and reciprocal lattices. Von Laue and Bragg scattering. The Drude electron gas. The theory of Sommerfeld. Energy and density of states of a two-and three-dimensional electron gas in a magnetic field. De Haas van Alphen effect. Landau diamagnetism and Pauli paramagnetism. Theory of harmonic crystal. Phonons. Optical properties of semiconductors and insulators. Charge transport in intrinsic and doped semiconductors. Fermi level in intrinsic semiconductors. Law of mass action. Donor and acceptor levels. Fermi level in doped semiconductors.
- Electrons in a one-dimensional periodic potential. Electron tunneling through a periodic potential. Velocity, quasimomentum and effective mass of an electron in a band. Geometric description of crystals: direct and reciprocal lattices. Von Laue and Bragg scattering. The Drude electron gas. The theory of Sommerfeld. Energy and density of states of a two-and three-dimensional electron gas in a magnetic field. De Haas van Alphen effect. Landau diamagnetism and Pauli paramagnetism. Theory of harmonic crystal. Phonons. Optical properties of semiconductors and insulators. Charge transport in intrinsic and doped semiconductors. Fermi level in intrinsic semiconductors. Law of mass action. Donor and acceptor levels. Fermi level in doped semiconductors.
Quantum Physics of Matter (6 cfu)
- Introduction to quantum mechanics:
Waves and particles. Wave-particle duality and uncertainty principle. Wave function. Schroedinger equation and stationary states. Expectation values.
Atomic Physics:
First atomic models and their shortcomings. Hydrogen atom: energy spectrum, angular momentum and eigenfunctions. Electron spin. Pauli exclusion principle. Helium atom, singlet and triplet states. Many-electron atoms, periodic system of elements. Atomic spectroscopy.
Molecular physics:
Adiabatic approximation. The ionized hydrogen molecule. The hydrogen molecule. Homonuclear and heteronuclear diatomic molecules.Polyatomic molecules. Molecular vibrations. Molecular Spectroscopy.
Condensed matter physics:
Structure of liquids, amorphous solids and crystals. X-ray diffraction. Types of crystals: molecular, ionic, covalent and metallic. Boltzmann distribution, equipartition of energy. Quantum statistics: bosons and fermions. Phonons and specific heat of solids. Free electron model of metals: electrical conductivity and specific heat.
- Introduction to quantum mechanics:
Waves and particles. Wave-particle duality and uncertainty principle. Wave function. Schroedinger equation and stationary states. Expectation values.
Atomic Physics:
First atomic models and their shortcomings. Hydrogen atom: energy spectrum, angular momentum and eigenfunctions. Electron spin. Pauli exclusion principle. Helium atom, singlet and triplet states. Many-electron atoms, periodic system of elements. Atomic spectroscopy.
Molecular physics:
Adiabatic approximation. The ionized hydrogen molecule. The hydrogen molecule. Homonuclear and heteronuclear diatomic molecules.Polyatomic molecules. Molecular vibrations. Molecular Spectroscopy.
Condensed matter physics:
Structure of liquids, amorphous solids and crystals. X-ray diffraction. Types of crystals: molecular, ionic, covalent and metallic. Boltzmann distribution, equipartition of energy. Quantum statistics: bosons and fermions. Phonons and specific heat of solids. Free electron model of metals: electrical conductivity and specific heat.
6 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR2 per BIOPHAM
- One between: Polymer Science and Engineering, Transport Phenomena in Materials
Transport Phenomena in Materials (6 cfu)
- This course deals with the fundamentals of transport of energy, mass, species and momentum according to a mesoscale continuum perspective, seeking for unification of the different transport mechanisms. Topics covered include: convective and diffusive transport modes, heat conduction in solids, steady-state and transient solutions of diffusion equations in different geometries, heat and mass transfer coefficients, principles of fluid flow, coupling of transport mechanisms and reactions.
Course outline:
1. Introduction and maths review: Local equilibrium, definition of convective and diffusive fluxes, materials transport properties, dimensionless numbers (Reynolds, Prandtl, Schmidt, Peclet, etc), origin of diffusive equations & random walk, tensor notation and operators.
2. Microscopic governing equations: Derivation of microscopic balance equations (general, mass, species, internal energy, momentum), Eulerian and Lagrangian approaches.
3. Heat conduction: Governing equation and boundary conditions, Newton law of cooling, Biot and Nusselt numbers, unidirectional heat conduction (linear, cylindrical and spherical coordinates), effective thermal conductive of composite materials, heat conduction with heat source, time-dependent heat conduction (step and pulse responses).
4. Material transport: Species fluxes and velocities, convection vs diffusion, mass vs molar basis, constitutive equations of diffusion (Fick law), balance equations and boundary conditions, diffusion in a stagnant film, effective mass transport coefficient, Sherwood number, diffusion with heterogeneous and homogeneous reactions, multi-component diffusion.
5. Basics of momentum transport: Laminar and turbulent flows, velocity profiles in a pipe, non-Newtonian fluids, flow in porous media, Knudsen effects.
6. Numerical methods for transport equations: Use of codes and software with illustrative applications to material science (isotope exchange, backing of a ceramic brick).
- This course deals with the fundamentals of transport of energy, mass, species and momentum according to a mesoscale continuum perspective, seeking for unification of the different transport mechanisms. Topics covered include: convective and diffusive transport modes, heat conduction in solids, steady-state and transient solutions of diffusion equations in different geometries, heat and mass transfer coefficients, principles of fluid flow, coupling of transport mechanisms and reactions.
Course outline:
1. Introduction and maths review: Local equilibrium, definition of convective and diffusive fluxes, materials transport properties, dimensionless numbers (Reynolds, Prandtl, Schmidt, Peclet, etc), origin of diffusive equations & random walk, tensor notation and operators.
2. Microscopic governing equations: Derivation of microscopic balance equations (general, mass, species, internal energy, momentum), Eulerian and Lagrangian approaches.
3. Heat conduction: Governing equation and boundary conditions, Newton law of cooling, Biot and Nusselt numbers, unidirectional heat conduction (linear, cylindrical and spherical coordinates), effective thermal conductive of composite materials, heat conduction with heat source, time-dependent heat conduction (step and pulse responses).
4. Material transport: Species fluxes and velocities, convection vs diffusion, mass vs molar basis, constitutive equations of diffusion (Fick law), balance equations and boundary conditions, diffusion in a stagnant film, effective mass transport coefficient, Sherwood number, diffusion with heterogeneous and homogeneous reactions, multi-component diffusion.
5. Basics of momentum transport: Laminar and turbulent flows, velocity profiles in a pipe, non-Newtonian fluids, flow in porous media, Knudsen effects.
6. Numerical methods for transport equations: Use of codes and software with illustrative applications to material science (isotope exchange, backing of a ceramic brick).
Polymer Science and Engineering (6 cfu)
- Molecular structure of polymers: thermoplastics and thermosets, definitions and types. Polymer chain flexibility. Chain conformations in polymers. Review of classical and statistical thermodynamics, configuration and conformation of isolated polymer chains, the rotational isomeric state model, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of polymer solutions, scaling theory, single chain dynamics, scattering (light, x-ray, neutron).Rubber elasticity. Amorphous state and glass transition. Free volume theory &Tg. Crystalline state and crystallization.
Thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and thermomechanical analysis) is explained, together with brief description of instruments and data analysis. Characterization of orientation, morphology, superstructure in polymers using x-ray, light scattering, birefringence, dichroism. Crystallography, unit cell determination. Spectroscopy theory. UV-Visible Spectroscopy. Infra-Red Spectroscopy. NMR spectroscopy.
Definitions of Polymer Processing. Extrusion lines. Injection molding processes. Blow molding Processes. Application of Rheology in Polymer Processing: Simple die and injection mold design. Screw types and definitions. Screw design: metering zone. Isothermal and adiabatic extrusion equations.
- Molecular structure of polymers: thermoplastics and thermosets, definitions and types. Polymer chain flexibility. Chain conformations in polymers. Review of classical and statistical thermodynamics, configuration and conformation of isolated polymer chains, the rotational isomeric state model, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of polymer solutions, scaling theory, single chain dynamics, scattering (light, x-ray, neutron).Rubber elasticity. Amorphous state and glass transition. Free volume theory &Tg. Crystalline state and crystallization.
Thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and thermomechanical analysis) is explained, together with brief description of instruments and data analysis. Characterization of orientation, morphology, superstructure in polymers using x-ray, light scattering, birefringence, dichroism. Crystallography, unit cell determination. Spectroscopy theory. UV-Visible Spectroscopy. Infra-Red Spectroscopy. NMR spectroscopy.
Definitions of Polymer Processing. Extrusion lines. Injection molding processes. Blow molding Processes. Application of Rheology in Polymer Processing: Simple die and injection mold design. Screw types and definitions. Screw design: metering zone. Isothermal and adiabatic extrusion equations.
6 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR3 per BIOPHAM
- 6 CFU among: Biofluids and materials Interactions, Computational Materials Science, Green Chemistry for Materials and Processes, Introduction to optical spectroscopy, Manufacturing of polymers and nanocomposites for biomedical application, Rheology, Solid State NMR Spectroscopy in Pharmaceutical and Material Science
Rheology (6 cfu)
- The course aims to provide students with the knowledge aimed at understanding the rheology and its basic experiments.
The course includes the acquisition of the following main skills:
1. awareness of the importance of rheology in scientific research, in industrial applications and in life, including daily activities;
2. phenomenological knowledge of the main rheological behaviors of the materials: viscosity and its dependence in Non-Newtonian liquids, viscoelasticity, normal stresses, extensional viscosity
3. recognition of the rheological behavior of different materials: polymers, gels, suspensions
4. application of the main rheological models;
5. knowledge of the experimental methods of rheological survey and main instrumentation;
6. mathematical tensor treatment of rheology and introduction to advanced rheological theories.
- The course aims to provide students with the knowledge aimed at understanding the rheology and its basic experiments.
The course includes the acquisition of the following main skills:
1. awareness of the importance of rheology in scientific research, in industrial applications and in life, including daily activities;
2. phenomenological knowledge of the main rheological behaviors of the materials: viscosity and its dependence in Non-Newtonian liquids, viscoelasticity, normal stresses, extensional viscosity
3. recognition of the rheological behavior of different materials: polymers, gels, suspensions
4. application of the main rheological models;
5. knowledge of the experimental methods of rheological survey and main instrumentation;
6. mathematical tensor treatment of rheology and introduction to advanced rheological theories.
Green Chemistry for Materials and Processes (6 cfu)
- The course aims to provide the knowledge and skills useful in designing chemicals, products, materials, and plants with minimal impact on human health and the environment.
The concepts that will be presented are the emerging ones of the Green Chemistry:
Atom Economy, and Green Chemistry Metrics, Material Efficiency and Strategic Synthesis Design; Green catalysis: heterogeneous catalysis and biocatalysis; Green solvents, such as supercritical fluids, ionic liquids, water, bio-based solvents, nontoxic liquid polymers, and their various combinations; Conversion of renewable biomass into valuable chemicals, materials (bioplastics) and energy; Designing and synthesizing materials with appropriate lifetimes; Intensification of chemical processes: intensification of reaction and chemical processes.
- The course aims to provide the knowledge and skills useful in designing chemicals, products, materials, and plants with minimal impact on human health and the environment.
The concepts that will be presented are the emerging ones of the Green Chemistry:
Atom Economy, and Green Chemistry Metrics, Material Efficiency and Strategic Synthesis Design; Green catalysis: heterogeneous catalysis and biocatalysis; Green solvents, such as supercritical fluids, ionic liquids, water, bio-based solvents, nontoxic liquid polymers, and their various combinations; Conversion of renewable biomass into valuable chemicals, materials (bioplastics) and energy; Designing and synthesizing materials with appropriate lifetimes; Intensification of chemical processes: intensification of reaction and chemical processes.
Manufacturing of polymers and nanocomposites for biomedical application (3 cfu)
- Basics of micro- and nano-manufacturing: Micro- and nanomanufacturing concepts for biomaterials and biomedical devices. Exposure-based lithographies. Photolithography, electron beam methods, lift-off. Two-photon lithography. Soft lithography. Nanoimprint lithography.
Microfluidics: capillary force lithography, Micromolding in capillaries, Applications in microfluidics, Surface functionalization, Organ-on-chip building
Additive Manufacturing: Spinning technologies, 3D Printing, 4D Printing
- Basics of micro- and nano-manufacturing: Micro- and nanomanufacturing concepts for biomaterials and biomedical devices. Exposure-based lithographies. Photolithography, electron beam methods, lift-off. Two-photon lithography. Soft lithography. Nanoimprint lithography.
Microfluidics: capillary force lithography, Micromolding in capillaries, Applications in microfluidics, Surface functionalization, Organ-on-chip building
Additive Manufacturing: Spinning technologies, 3D Printing, 4D Printing
Introduction to optical spectroscopy (6 cfu)
- Basics of radiation/matter interaction and understanding of emission/absorption spectra of substances in the range near-UV - IR, up to the THz range.
Technical and conceptual tools for emission, absorption, Raman spectroscopy.
Energy levels of the main physical systems: electronic levels in atoms and molecules, rotational and vibrational levels of molecules, Lorents-Drude model, electronic levels of impurities (transition metals and rare earths) in crystals, electronic and fononic bands in crystals.
Group theory applied to the main energy level systems mentioned above.
- Basics of radiation/matter interaction and understanding of emission/absorption spectra of substances in the range near-UV - IR, up to the THz range.
Technical and conceptual tools for emission, absorption, Raman spectroscopy.
Energy levels of the main physical systems: electronic levels in atoms and molecules, rotational and vibrational levels of molecules, Lorents-Drude model, electronic levels of impurities (transition metals and rare earths) in crystals, electronic and fononic bands in crystals.
Group theory applied to the main energy level systems mentioned above.
Biofluids and materials Interactions (3 cfu)
- 1) Biocompatibility & Hemocompatibility
2) Body fluids & transport phenomena
3) In vitro biofluids
4) Polymer biodegradation & surface coatings
5) Drug Delivery Systems (DDS)
6) (Bio)material/biofluid interactions
7) Metals & corrosion in body fluids
8) Bioreactors, microfluidics & organs-on-chip
9) Body fluid diagnostics using material
- 1) Biocompatibility & Hemocompatibility
2) Body fluids & transport phenomena
3) In vitro biofluids
4) Polymer biodegradation & surface coatings
5) Drug Delivery Systems (DDS)
6) (Bio)material/biofluid interactions
7) Metals & corrosion in body fluids
8) Bioreactors, microfluidics & organs-on-chip
9) Body fluid diagnostics using material
Computational Materials Science (6 cfu)
- Quantum mechanical approaches, Density Functional Theory, many-body approaches. Multiscale approaches: quantum mechanics, molecular mechanics, coarse graining, polarizable continua. Electronic properties. Excited electronic states and UV-vis spectroscopy.
Vibrations, IR and Raman spectroscopy. Dynamicaleffects.
- Quantum mechanical approaches, Density Functional Theory, many-body approaches. Multiscale approaches: quantum mechanics, molecular mechanics, coarse graining, polarizable continua. Electronic properties. Excited electronic states and UV-vis spectroscopy.
Vibrations, IR and Raman spectroscopy. Dynamicaleffects.
Solid State NMR Spectroscopy in Pharmaceutical and Material Science (6 cfu)
- Basics of molecular spectroscopy: the electromagnetic spectrum, electromagnetic radiations and their interaction with molecules (absorption, emission, scattering), energy levels and different types of transitions, populations of the energy levels at the thermal equilibrium.
Brief overview of the different spectroscopic techniques: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, Optical, Raman, Photoelectronic, and Mossbauer spectroscopies.
Basic theory of NMR: the nuclear spin, nuclear interactions, relaxation times.
NMR applied to the solid state: peculiarities, comparison with solution state NMR, the role of anisotropies. 1D low- and high-resolution experiments, 2D separation and correlation techniques. Spin diffusion.
Applications of solid state NMR to the study of the structure and dynamics of several classes of materials: pharmaceuticals, porous materials, materials for energy, building, tyre industries, etc.
- Basics of molecular spectroscopy: the electromagnetic spectrum, electromagnetic radiations and their interaction with molecules (absorption, emission, scattering), energy levels and different types of transitions, populations of the energy levels at the thermal equilibrium.
Brief overview of the different spectroscopic techniques: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, Optical, Raman, Photoelectronic, and Mossbauer spectroscopies.
Basic theory of NMR: the nuclear spin, nuclear interactions, relaxation times.
NMR applied to the solid state: peculiarities, comparison with solution state NMR, the role of anisotropies. 1D low- and high-resolution experiments, 2D separation and correlation techniques. Spin diffusion.
Applications of solid state NMR to the study of the structure and dynamics of several classes of materials: pharmaceuticals, porous materials, materials for energy, building, tyre industries, etc.
8 cfu a scelta nel gruppo GR4 per BIOPHAM
- 8 CFU among: BIOPHYSICAL AND MATERIALS SCIENCE CHARACTERIZATION, COMPLEXITY IN BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS, MACHINE LEARNING WITH NEURAL NETWORKS, STOCHASTIC METHODS FOR OPTIMIZATION AND SIMULATION
BIOPHYSICAL AND MATERIALS SCIENCE CHARACTERIZATION (4 cfu)
- The aim of the course is to provide an introduction to chemical physics, especially on liquid solutions (both electrolyte and nonelectrolyte), solid solutions, and homogeneous and hybrid materials, and on the relevant characterization techniques.
Course syllabus:
(1) Introduction to inorganic chemical physics of electrolyte & nonelectrolyte solutions
Types of solutions. Thermodynamics of solutions. Properties of water: The hydrogen bond, solubility of molecules in water, polar and non-polar solvents. Electrical permeability of water. Dissociation: acids and bases, protonation. Properties of solutions: functional groups, hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions; solubility; diffusion. Colligative properties: boiling-point elevation, freezing point depression, osmotic pressure. Surface tension, capillarity. Water phase diagram and anomalies; aqueous electrolytes; non-electrolyte solutions. Electrostatics of salty solutions: biopolymers (polyelectrolytes) and biomembranes in water; Poisson-Boltzmann equation, Debye-Hückel model, electric double layers, ion and proton conduction; transport properties.
(2) Introduction to materials science properties
Cohesive interactions; structural and mechanical properties of homogeneous solids; organic molecular solids; non-miscible systems: morphology and properties of phase-separated materials
(3) Laboratory techniques
- Elemental analysis: photoelectron & mass spectroscopy (XPS, UPS, Auger, secondary ion mass spectroscopy)
- Chemical analysis: optical and vibrational spectroscopy (UV-vis, IR, Raman), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
- Morphological analysis: contact angle, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), tomography (microCT), NMR-imaging, electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, energy loss/secondary electron spectroscopy)
- Phase-change analysis
- Mechanical, electrical and optical characterization
- A pharmaceutical application: optical measurement of the dissolution kinetics and solubility of a drug
(4) Applications to pharmaceutics, drug formulation, & biophysical pharmacology:
- Experimental techniques for electrolyte and non-electrolyte solutions
- Small Molecules (drugs): HPLC, Chromatography, Mass spectroscopy, ICP-MS
- Characterization of Nanoparticles: Molecular sizes (Dynamics light scattering, DLS), Surface charge (zeta potential, with conductivity measures)
- Characterization of Biomolecules: chromatography, gel electrophoresis, Western Blot. Proteomics
- The aim of the course is to provide an introduction to chemical physics, especially on liquid solutions (both electrolyte and nonelectrolyte), solid solutions, and homogeneous and hybrid materials, and on the relevant characterization techniques.
Course syllabus:
(1) Introduction to inorganic chemical physics of electrolyte & nonelectrolyte solutions
Types of solutions. Thermodynamics of solutions. Properties of water: The hydrogen bond, solubility of molecules in water, polar and non-polar solvents. Electrical permeability of water. Dissociation: acids and bases, protonation. Properties of solutions: functional groups, hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions; solubility; diffusion. Colligative properties: boiling-point elevation, freezing point depression, osmotic pressure. Surface tension, capillarity. Water phase diagram and anomalies; aqueous electrolytes; non-electrolyte solutions. Electrostatics of salty solutions: biopolymers (polyelectrolytes) and biomembranes in water; Poisson-Boltzmann equation, Debye-Hückel model, electric double layers, ion and proton conduction; transport properties.
(2) Introduction to materials science properties
Cohesive interactions; structural and mechanical properties of homogeneous solids; organic molecular solids; non-miscible systems: morphology and properties of phase-separated materials
(3) Laboratory techniques
- Elemental analysis: photoelectron & mass spectroscopy (XPS, UPS, Auger, secondary ion mass spectroscopy)
- Chemical analysis: optical and vibrational spectroscopy (UV-vis, IR, Raman), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
- Morphological analysis: contact angle, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), tomography (microCT), NMR-imaging, electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, energy loss/secondary electron spectroscopy)
- Phase-change analysis
- Mechanical, electrical and optical characterization
- A pharmaceutical application: optical measurement of the dissolution kinetics and solubility of a drug
(4) Applications to pharmaceutics, drug formulation, & biophysical pharmacology:
- Experimental techniques for electrolyte and non-electrolyte solutions
- Small Molecules (drugs): HPLC, Chromatography, Mass spectroscopy, ICP-MS
- Characterization of Nanoparticles: Molecular sizes (Dynamics light scattering, DLS), Surface charge (zeta potential, with conductivity measures)
- Characterization of Biomolecules: chromatography, gel electrophoresis, Western Blot. Proteomics
STOCHASTIC METHODS FOR OPTIMIZATION AND SIMULATION (4 cfu)
- This course will give students an operative knowledge of computational simulation and optimization techniques based on stochastic methods.
Course syllabus:
(1) Monte-Carlo Integration. Sampling techniques and variance reduction.
(2) Stochastic optimization: simulated annealing and genetic algorithms.
(3) Dynamic Monte Carlo: random walks and the diffusion equation.
(4) Classical Monte Carlo simulations: from simple to molecular systems and biomolecules.
(5) Application of Monte Carlo methods to quantum systems.
- This course will give students an operative knowledge of computational simulation and optimization techniques based on stochastic methods.
Course syllabus:
(1) Monte-Carlo Integration. Sampling techniques and variance reduction.
(2) Stochastic optimization: simulated annealing and genetic algorithms.
(3) Dynamic Monte Carlo: random walks and the diffusion equation.
(4) Classical Monte Carlo simulations: from simple to molecular systems and biomolecules.
(5) Application of Monte Carlo methods to quantum systems.
COMPLEXITY IN BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS (4 cfu)
- Course syllabus:
(1) Biological networks (examples in system biology: metabolic networks, interactome, regulatory and signalling networks; biological neural networks; networks in ecology and epidemiology
(2) Complex spatio-temporal dynamics in biology (oscilations, excitability, bistability; sinchronization in biological systems: neural networks; spatio-temporal chaos: cardiac fibrillation
(3) Analysis of complex biosignals (deterministic and stochastic signals; statistical properties; non-lineal time-series analysis of series temporalis)
(4) Self-organization in biological systems (morphogenesis; self-assembly: protein folding, membrane formation); growth processes: chemotaxis, tumour growth)
(5) Collective motion and active matter (flocking, swarming and herd; cell migration)
- Course syllabus:
(1) Biological networks (examples in system biology: metabolic networks, interactome, regulatory and signalling networks; biological neural networks; networks in ecology and epidemiology
(2) Complex spatio-temporal dynamics in biology (oscilations, excitability, bistability; sinchronization in biological systems: neural networks; spatio-temporal chaos: cardiac fibrillation
(3) Analysis of complex biosignals (deterministic and stochastic signals; statistical properties; non-lineal time-series analysis of series temporalis)
(4) Self-organization in biological systems (morphogenesis; self-assembly: protein folding, membrane formation); growth processes: chemotaxis, tumour growth)
(5) Collective motion and active matter (flocking, swarming and herd; cell migration)
MACHINE LEARNING WITH NEURAL NETWORKS (4 cfu)
- Course syllabus:
(1) Introduction to Machine Learning (fundamental problem and its inherent complexity; general approaches for its solution)
(2) Classic Neural Networks models (Hopfield model; recurrent Boltzmann Machines (BM) and Restricted Boltzmann Machines (RBM); learning with BM y RBM: gradient descent, Contrastive Divergence and its variants; single-layer perceptrons (SLP): lineal and logistic regression, Rosenblat perceptron; multi-layer perceptrons (MLP): learning with MLP, back-propagation; Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN): model, link to MLP, and learning)
(3) Deep Learning: link with classical models and modern learning techniques.
- Course syllabus:
(1) Introduction to Machine Learning (fundamental problem and its inherent complexity; general approaches for its solution)
(2) Classic Neural Networks models (Hopfield model; recurrent Boltzmann Machines (BM) and Restricted Boltzmann Machines (RBM); learning with BM y RBM: gradient descent, Contrastive Divergence and its variants; single-layer perceptrons (SLP): lineal and logistic regression, Rosenblat perceptron; multi-layer perceptrons (MLP): learning with MLP, back-propagation; Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN): model, link to MLP, and learning)
(3) Deep Learning: link with classical models and modern learning techniques.
Free choise (9 cfu)
Final examination (15 cfu)
Training for BIOPHAM (6 cfu)
30 cfu a scelta nel gruppo Track 1 at University of Silesia in Katowice - track 2 at Université del Lille
- Students can choose between track 1 and track 2
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND PHARMACEUTICAL DEVELOPMENTS (6 cfu)
THERMODYNAMICS AND PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS (Thermo I) (6 cfu)
- The objective of this course is to present a broad overview of theoretical concepts necessary for the understanding of physical states and phase transformations in large classes of existing materials.
Thermodynamics and phase diagrams - Thermodynamic classification of phase transitions - Stability, metastability and instability - Physical states: crystalline polymorphs, mesophases, amorphous - Dynamics of phase transitions: Nucleation / Growth - Interfaces - Avrami model - TTT diagrams - Vitrification - Links between microscopic and macroscopic properties - Experimental methods to study of phase transformations (DSC, MDSC, TGA).
- The objective of this course is to present a broad overview of theoretical concepts necessary for the understanding of physical states and phase transformations in large classes of existing materials.
Thermodynamics and phase diagrams - Thermodynamic classification of phase transitions - Stability, metastability and instability - Physical states: crystalline polymorphs, mesophases, amorphous - Dynamics of phase transitions: Nucleation / Growth - Interfaces - Avrami model - TTT diagrams - Vitrification - Links between microscopic and macroscopic properties - Experimental methods to study of phase transformations (DSC, MDSC, TGA).
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS (9 cfu)
- courses chosen among the offer of the Graduate Programme “Science for a Changing Planet” and “Health Entrepreneurship Program
- courses chosen among the offer of the Graduate Programme “Science for a Changing Planet” and “Health Entrepreneurship Program
APPLICATION OF VIBRATIONAL SPECTROSCOPY IN THERAPEUTIC SUBSTANCE STUDIES (4 cfu)
- The entire course consists of lectures and laboratory exercises that introduce students to the theory and practice of the application of two complementary research techniques: infrared absorption (IR) spectroscopy and Raman scattering (RS). This will give them the knowledge to solve many important problems in pharmacy:
1) drug identity,
2) test purity,
3) crystal structures of drugs,
4) characteristics of polymorphism,
5) tautomerization,
6) interactions between active drugs and excipients.
In the first part of the lecture, students will be introduced to the basic principles of vibration spectroscopy, in the second part the possibilities of using spectroscopic methods in pharmacy will be presented in detail. During the laboratory work, they learn the practical aspects of various vibration spectroscopy measuring techniques.
- The entire course consists of lectures and laboratory exercises that introduce students to the theory and practice of the application of two complementary research techniques: infrared absorption (IR) spectroscopy and Raman scattering (RS). This will give them the knowledge to solve many important problems in pharmacy:
1) drug identity,
2) test purity,
3) crystal structures of drugs,
4) characteristics of polymorphism,
5) tautomerization,
6) interactions between active drugs and excipients.
In the first part of the lecture, students will be introduced to the basic principles of vibration spectroscopy, in the second part the possibilities of using spectroscopic methods in pharmacy will be presented in detail. During the laboratory work, they learn the practical aspects of various vibration spectroscopy measuring techniques.
MOLECULAR BIOPHYSICS (5 cfu)
- By participating in the classes, the student will deepen their knowledge in the field of biophysics by performing research on various biological objects, from single molecules, through subcellular complexes and structures, to the structures of living matter using methodology and physics methods. It will be an opportunity to understand the basics of many advanced research techniques and take part in experiments performed using them. Familiarize yourself with, among others with the following research methods:
1. Spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy used to observe the structure and follow cell life processes.
2. Multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in imaging of tissue structure and observation of cellular changes.
3) Atomic force microscopy (AFM) in the study of individual molecules, forces of interaction between them and the structure of molecular and cellular systems as well as characteristics of their mechanical (viscoleastic) properties.
4) Microscale Raman spectroscopy - Raman mapping and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). 5) Electron cryomicroscopy of single molecules and molecular systems.
6) Mass spectrometry in the study of the atomic and molecular composition of substances and tissues (ToF-SIMS).
7) Analytical centrifugation.
8) Theoretical methods for modeling the structure, spectra and properties of molecules and their systems - the use of molecular dynamics and ab-initio modeling methods.
- By participating in the classes, the student will deepen their knowledge in the field of biophysics by performing research on various biological objects, from single molecules, through subcellular complexes and structures, to the structures of living matter using methodology and physics methods. It will be an opportunity to understand the basics of many advanced research techniques and take part in experiments performed using them. Familiarize yourself with, among others with the following research methods:
1. Spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy used to observe the structure and follow cell life processes.
2. Multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in imaging of tissue structure and observation of cellular changes.
3) Atomic force microscopy (AFM) in the study of individual molecules, forces of interaction between them and the structure of molecular and cellular systems as well as characteristics of their mechanical (viscoleastic) properties.
4) Microscale Raman spectroscopy - Raman mapping and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). 5) Electron cryomicroscopy of single molecules and molecular systems.
6) Mass spectrometry in the study of the atomic and molecular composition of substances and tissues (ToF-SIMS).
7) Analytical centrifugation.
8) Theoretical methods for modeling the structure, spectra and properties of molecules and their systems - the use of molecular dynamics and ab-initio modeling methods.
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS (9 cfu)
- Polish Language Course 4 CFU; Protection of Intellectual Property, Health and Safety, Ergonomics 1 CFU; Subject in the Field of Humanities 3 CFU; Introduction to Entrepreneurship 1 CFU
- Polish Language Course 4 CFU; Protection of Intellectual Property, Health and Safety, Ergonomics 1 CFU; Subject in the Field of Humanities 3 CFU; Introduction to Entrepreneurship 1 CFU
DYNAMICS IN THE AMORPHOUS MATERIALS (3 cfu)
