Examiner: 4851 Professor Bengt Kasemo
AIM OF SUBJECT
One aim of the course is to illustrate how even complex systems in natural science and technology can be described and understood (sometimes qualitatively, sometimes quantitatively) via their central physical ingredients. Another aim is to illustrate the role of physics in treating inter- disciplinary problems and problem complexes.
CONTENT
Physical concepts and methods (theoretical as well as experimental) have many applications in other scientific disciplines and in technology. The course presents a number of such applications, for instance:
* Classical physics (strength of materials)
* Critical and non-linear phenomena (ignition, oscillations,...)
* Methods of Measurement (X-rays, NMR, spectroscopy,...)
* Complex phenomena (combustion, tribology, friction,.....)
* Biology (protein structure, dynamics and function)
* Medicine (NMR, X-rays, ultrasound,....)
* Nanotechnology (lithography, manipulation of individual atoms and molecules)
In a few areas, invited speakers will give lecture on modern research and applications. When discussing different systems and phenomena, there will be emphasis on central physical properties, as well as atomic and molecular properties and processes.
EXAMINATION
Written exam with short questions. Project work with written report and seminar presentation at a minisymposium.