Impart the basic knowledge about the distinctive features of the amorphous state of matter. Instruct students on issues of glass formation, processing, and various chemical and thermal treatments. Convey the relationships between processing, structure, and physical properties of glasses. Provide students with an overview of novel technological applications of glasses. Give students an appreciation of the importance that materials design has for technological advancement, and the great flexibility that glassy materials posses in this context.
Students know how to synthesize, process, and heat-treat glasses.
Students know the methods for structural characterization of amorphous materials. Students understand the ubiquitous features of the structure in glasses and liquids, and how these relate to their properties. Students have learned how to select materials for a wide range of optical, electrical, structural, and other functional applications. Students have learned strategies to achieve desired materials properties by altering chemistry and processing conditions. Three take home exams, requiring the review of all course subjects covered in class.