Resilience, Transformation, and Equilibrium: the Science of Materials

In this course, we will explore the fundamentals of the kinetics of materials while relating them to different phenomena that we observe in our everyday lives. We will study the mechanisms and processes by which materials obtain the mechanical, electronic, and other properties that make them so useful to us. How can we cool water below freezing and keep it from turning into ice? Why is it that ice cream that has been in the freezer for too long does not taste as good? What are crystal defects and why do they help create some of the most useful (semiconductors) and beautiful (gemstones) things we have? This introductory seminar is open to all students, and prior exposure to chemistry, physics, or calculus is NOT required.