Set of Diploma Courses I: Soft Matter Field of study: Physics
Programme code: W4-S2FZA22.2025

Module name: Set of Diploma Courses I: Soft Matter
Module code: W4-FZ-NM-S2-2-22-22
Programme code: W4-S2FZA22.2025
Semester: summer semester 2025/2026
Language of instruction: English
Form of verification: exam
ECTS credits: 3
Purpose and description of the content of education:
During the lecture, the student becomes familiar with the following topics: 1. Characteristics of soft matter physics, fundamental issues: intermolecular interactions, the structure of soft matter, classification of phase transitions. 2. Types of chemical bonds, their classification and characteristics. 3. Basic properties of liquids, glasses, polymers, liquid crystals, colloids, polymers 4. Experimental methods in soft matter physics. Spectroscopic methods: infrared spectroscopy using the Fourier transform (FTIR spectroscopy), Raman spectroscopy, UV-VIS spectroscopy. Diffraction methods, i.e. X-ray and microscopic diffraction, AFM atomic force microscopy. 5. Introduction to dielectrics, classification of materials in terms of electrical conductivity, mechanisms of current conduction in various materials. Basic concepts of electrostatics. Electric capacity, formula derivation, dielectric susceptibility and permittivity, dielectric behaviour in a constant and alternating electric field, the phenomenon of polarization and its types, relaxation phenomenon. 6. Molecular dynamics 7. Analysis of dielectric properties using Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS) 8. Basic parameters and functions describing the physicochemical properties of materials by thermal analysis methods using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). 9. New materials - methods of obtaining new materials with specific/controlled properties on the example of one- (thin films), two-dimensional spatial limitation, i.e. nanoporous matrices. During the laboratory classes, students will use selected soft matter characterization methods, mainly BDS and DSC. After completing the experiment, the student presents a report containing a theoretical introduction to the problem; the methodology adopted, the description of the study, analysis and discussion of the results and their relevance to similar studies. The module is optional. Students will select two of four proposed modules. The subject examination is compulsory
List of modules that must be completed before starting this module (if necessary): not applicable
Learning outcome of the module Codes of the learning outcomes of the programme to which the learning outcome of the module is related [level of competence: scale 1-5]
has basic knowledge of the various branches of nanotechnology, knows the selected basic laws and formulas of physics, knows the basic theorems from selected branches of mathematics [E1]
 KF_W02 [4/5] KF_W03 [4/5] KF_W04 [4/5]
understands basic theories and physical processes, knows mathematical formalism useful in the construction and analysis of physical models of nanostructures, can use mathematical formalism to analyze physical models [E2]
 KF_W05 [4/5] KF_U04 [4/5]
can explain the basic processes taking place in the surrounding environment based on the laws of physics and chemistry, can describe the basic micro-and macroscopic properties of matter based on the acquired theoretical knowledge [E3]
 KF_U04 [4/5] KF_U05 [4/5]
Form of teaching Number of hours Methods of conducting classes Assessment of the learning outcomes Learning outcomes
lecture [FZ1] 20 Formal lecture/ course-related lecture [a01]  exam E1
laboratory classes [FZ2] 10 Laboratory exercise / experiment [e01]  course work E2 E3
The student's work, apart from participation in classes, includes in particular:
Name Category Description
Literature reading / analysis of source materials [a02] Preparation for classes
reading the literature indicated in the syllabus; reviewing, organizing, analyzing and selecting source materials to be used in class
Developing practical skills [a03] Preparation for classes
activities involving the repetition, refinement and consolidation of practical skills, including those developed during previous classes or new skills necessary for the implementation of subsequent elements of the curriculum (as preparation for class participation)
Getting acquainted with the syllabus content [b01] Consulting the curriculum and the organization of classes
reading through the syllabus and getting acquainted with its content
Studying the literature used in and the materials produced in class [c02] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
exploring the studied content, inquiring, considering, assimilating, interpreting it, or organizing knowledge obtained from the literature, documentation, instructions, scenarios, etc., used in class as well as from the notes or other materials/artifacts made in class
Implementation of an individual or group assignment necessary for course/phase/examination completion [c03] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
a set of activities aimed at performing an assigned task, to be executed out of class, as an obligatory phase/element of the verification of the learning outcomes assigned to the course
Analysis of the corrective feedback provided by the academic teacher on the results of the verification of learning outcomes [d01] Consulting the results of the verification of learning outcomes
reading through the academic teacher’s comments, assessments and opinions on the implementation of the task aimed at checking the level of the achieved learning outcomes
Attachments
Module description (PDF)
Information concerning module syllabuses might be changed during studies.
Syllabuses (USOSweb)
Semester Module Language of instruction
(no information given)