PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY OF MATERIALS

The main objective of the course is the development of knowledge in the field of experimental physical chemistry applied to materials science. The training course is developed in three modules: Simulate, Assemble and Evaluate. During the first module "Simulate" we learn the key concepts of the numerical resolution methods of the equations governing the typical processes of materials chemistry. During the second "Assemble" we learn the methods for data acquisition from opto-electronic devices based on functional materials. During the third module "Evaluate" we address the problems deriving from the management of "big-data" in the scientific field, with particular reference to the chemistry of materials.

Specifically:

Knowledge and Ability to Understand: Acquire practical knowledge of methodologies for analyzing materials and the chemical-physical processes that cause their structural and functional changes
Applied Knowledge and Ability to Understand: Ability to apply what has been learned during frontal lectures in experiments performed in the laboratory.
Autonomy of judgment: Students learn to evaluate objectively what they have learned during lectures and laboratory activities
Communication skills: Students acquire communication skills that are developed both during lectures and laboratory activities, thanks to a continuous verbal interlocution with the teacher, and during the oral examination.
Learning Skills: Learning skills are assessed through the oral examination and laboratory reports that are an important part of the course.

Information for students with disabilities and/or SLD

To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory measures, based on the educational objectives and specific needs.

D2: ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

 At the end of the course, students will be able to solve problems related to the physical chemistry of materials and develop scientific and/or technical application projects. 

At the end of the course, students will be able to use complex measurement and analysis equipment for the characterisation of materials.

At the end of the course, students will be able to use the operational skills acquired for various professional and research needs in the materials sector.

D3: INDEPENDENT JUDGEMENT

At the end of the course, students will be able to choose the most appropriate investigation techniques for the type of experimental problem to be addressed in the field of materials and to evaluate their limitations.

At the end of the course, students will be able to critically transfer the methodological skills acquired to different operational contexts and research topics, independently identifying the most suitable approaches in relation to the specific nature of materials problems.

Students will be able to find and analyse information from open access databases, scientific literature, etc.

Students will be able to design experimental activities, evaluating their timing and methods, independently assess the results obtained and quantify them. 

During laboratory activities and/or exercises, students will acquire the ability to work in groups.

D4: COMMUNICATION SKILLS

At the end of the course, students will be able to discuss and defend scientific issues relating to the physical chemistry of materials in specialist and popular contexts.

Students will acquire communication skills useful for participating in or coordinating multidisciplinary projects and groups in the field of chemical research.

At the end of the course, students will be able to work independently, managing time and resources and adapting to new contexts.  

During laboratory activities, students will learn to interact with colleagues, plan and manage the time needed to carry out laboratory experiments, and work both in groups and independently, adapting to different contexts.

D5: LEARNING SKILLS

At the end of the course, students will be able to effectively identify and consult scientific literature, specialised databases and online resources to obtain information on the physical chemistry of materials.

At the end of the course, students will be able to tackle new studies, emerging scientific issues and professional problems in different work contexts.

At the end of the course, students will be able to manage complex problems, including those of an interdisciplinary nature.

At the end of the course, students will be able to find and evaluate information in order to formulate and argue solutions in specialist and popular fields.

The course is structured in two sections. The first part of classroom​ lectures and the second part of experimental laboratory activities

The course aims to provide the student with specific knowledge in the field of materials science with particular reference to laboratory activities.

To this end, technical/practical skills relating to chemical laboratory activities are required. Knowledge of safety regulations to be followed in the laboratory and the rules of good experimental practice are also considered essential.

Section 1 ° Simulate (Modeling)

Educational Goals

To know

Learn the key concepts of numerical equation resolution methods governing typical materials chemistry processes

Take practical / application knowledge with Monte Carlo simulation methods, coarse-grained, etc.

To do (in comfort-zone)

Modeling of diffusion phenomena, spinodal decomposition, nucleation, and growth

Simulation of complex reaction kinetics

"Reasoned" fitting of stress/strain data of materials with viscoelastic properties

To apply (in "unknown" contexts)

Programming of a simple numerical resolution algorithm of integrals and derivatives

Apply the Montecarlo approach for the simulation of Random Sequential Adsorption processes

Section 2 ° Assemble (Devices)

Educational Goals

To know

Learns methods for data acquisition from active optoelectronic devices based on functional materials

To (in comfort-zone)

Synthesis and deposition of conductive polymers

Deposition of microelectrodes and connection to functional materials

To apply (in "unknown" contexts)

Setting-up of stations for data acquisition from analog/digital

Realization of a device for the sensing of VOC vapors

Section 3 ° Evaluate (Data-treatment)

Educational Goals

To know

Conceiving the concept of "Big-data". Understand the problems deriving from their management in the scientific field, with particular reference to the chemistry of materials

To do (in comfort-zone)

Critical analysis and evaluation of data processing methodologies in specific case studies

To apply (in "unknown" contexts)

Ability to manage "Big-data". Design and implement a suitable data treatment plan

Please refer to studium website

Oral exam

The grade is expressed in thirtieths according to the following scheme:

Not suitable

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: significant deficiencies and inaccuracies

Ability to analyse and synthesise: irrelevant, frequent generalisations

Use of references: completely inappropriate

18-20

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: very modest, obvious imperfections

Ability to analyse and synthesise: barely sufficient

Use of references: barely appropriate

21-23

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: slightly more than sufficient knowledge

Ability to analyse and synthesise: reasonable ability to analyse and synthesise, argues logically and

coherently

Use of references: uses standard references

24-26

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: good knowledge

Ability to analyse and synthesise: has good analytical and synthesis skills, arguments are presented

coherently

Use of references: uses standard references

27-29

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: more than good knowledge

Ability to analyse and synthesise: has remarkable analytical and synthesis skills

Use of references: has explored the topics in depth

30-30 with honours

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: excellent knowledge

Ability to analyse and synthesise: has remarkable analytical and synthesis skills.

Use of references: significant insights.

Which resolution method would you use for the numerical calculation of the first derivative?

How are conductive polymers deposited?