SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF MATERIALS

The course is one of the basic didactic activities of the bachelor degree in Engineering Physics. The scope of the course is to give students the basics of materials science and technology, giving ample description of the different types of materials, and their structural and functional properties.

Knowledge and understanding
• Understanding the relationships between different scientific disciplines for the study of complex phenomena and in the development of new materials, devices and systems
• Understanding the importance of scientific culture in the innovation processes of modern technologies
• Knowledge of the main characteristics of different types of materials
• Knowledge of the main properties of nanostructured materials

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
• Ability to identify areas in which specific materials (possibly also nanostructured) can offer advantageous solutions and better functions, compared to traditional systems and materials, with an understanding of the processes and phenomena underlying the successful application of the chosen materials.
• Ability to identify currently available technologies for the preparation of nanostructured materials and their integration into devices, arguing the possible choices based on the knowledge and understanding of the topics covered during the course.
• Combining in-depth knowledge in the natural sciences and in particular in physics, with the "engineering method", which allows the transformation of natural phenomena and abstract concepts into new methods, devices and real systems

Judgment autonomy
• Knowing how to evaluate the logical consistency of the results to which the application of the acquired knowledge leads, both in the theoretical field and in the case of experimental data.
• Knowing how to recognize any errors through a critical analysis of the applied method

Communication skills
• Knowing how to communicate the knowledge learned and the result of their application using appropriate terminology, both oral and written
• Knowing how to interact with the teacher and classmates in a respectful and constructive way

Learning ability
• Knowing how to take notes, selecting and collecting information according to its importance and priority
• Knowing how to be sufficiently autonomous in the collection of data and information relevant to the problem being investigated

The prerequisites for the course include the basic knowledge of physics, chemistry, quantum mechanics and mathematics.

The topics covered include the structure and bonds of atoms, the crystalline and amorphous structure in solids, the description of various types of materials (metals, polymers, ceramics, composites) and their electrical and optical properties.
Nanostructured materials will be mentioned, illustrating different aspects of the topic, including the synthesis and the structural and functional properties deriving from nanodimensionality.

W.F. Smith & J. Hashemi, Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali, V edizione, McGraw-Hill

The students will undergo oral examination at the end of the course to evaluate their knowledge and understanding of the content of the course.

Classes and suggested problems to be solved at home and discussed in class to evaluate the understanding of the students during the progress of the course.

Italian

oral