Self-Organization by Molecular Design

Undergraduate

Self-organization is a ubiquitous phenomenon in nature (e.g., cell membranes, vesicles, and iridescent surfaces) and technology (e.g., block-copolymers, liquid crystals, and surfactants). This course will provide a basic understanding of the driving forces for self-organization and how the formation of specific self-organized structures (e.g., layers, micelles, tubes, columns, and cubic arrangements) can be programmed into molecules by rational design. The course will also provide an introduction to variable temperature polarized optical microscopy, thermal analysis (DSC and TGA), and variable temperature powder X-ray diffraction as important characterization techniques for these materials. (Prerequisite: CHEM-2300.) (2 lecture hours/week and 1 lab/tutorial/week.) (May be offered as a cross-career course with CHEM-8630).