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SK2773 Nanothermodynamics 7.5 credits

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Application

For course offering

Spring 2025 Start 14 Jan 2025 programme students

Application code

60656

Headings with content from the Course syllabus SK2773 (Spring 2022–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

This course looks at thermal energy transfer from both macroscopic and microscopic perspectives based on the fundamental principles and laws of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. The course aims to provide an in-depth understanding on the principles of thermodynamics of materials and applications to production of inorganic materials (thin films, bulk), selection of materials for hostile environments, adsorption and chemisorption processes, surfaces and interfaces, phase equilibria and phase transformations, statistical and nonequilibrium thermodynamics, capillary processes and colloidal system. An important aspect is the introduction of nanothermodynamics, the thermodynamics of phenomena and processes at the nanometre scale.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this course the student should be able to:

  1. Define fundamental thermodynamic parameters, their interrelation for chemical processes, and compute thermodynamic relations for a defined process,
  2. Explain and demonstrate the use of the Ellingham and Pourbaix diagrams,
  3. Apply thermodynamics to defects, phase equilibria, phase diagrams, and phase transitions in nano systems,
  4. Explain the basic principles of statistical thermodynamics,
  5. Explain the thermodynamics properties of colloidal dispersed systems, reflect differences from classical thermodynamics.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

English B / English 6

Bachelor's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials science, Chemistry or equivalent, including courses in mathematics corresponding to at least 20 ECTS credits and courses in physics corresponding to at least 30 ECTS credits.

Recommended prerequisites

No information inserted

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

No information inserted

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • INL1 - Assignment, 1.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • INL2 - Assignment, 2.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
  • TEN1 - Examination, 4.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Other requirements for final grade

All assignments and exam are obligatory for the completion of the course.

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

Yes

Examiner

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

Main field of study

Engineering Physics

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

No information inserted

Contact

Muhammet Toprak (toprak@kth.se)