NEW CLASS OFFFERING: MSE 8803I / MSE 4803I- Fundamentals of Nanomaterials & Energy:

MSE 8803I / MSE 4803I- Fundamentals of Nanomaterials & Energy:

The class is designed for undergraduate and graduatestudents of Non-Science Majors (Liberal Arts, Architecture, Business, Computing) interested to learn more about nanotechnology applications in state-of the art energy-related technologies: Li-ion and other rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, solar cells, light emitting diodes, piezoelectric generators, wind and geothermal energy harvesting, energy applications of thermal interphase materials, modeling of energy materials and devices, and others.

Unique educational opportunities offered:

•           Practical demonstrations and hand-on experience producing advanced energy materials & working devices

•           The most advanced research directions revealed 

•           Broad scope of energy-related technologies covered 

•           Learning from the key experts in the energy fields

•           Informal discussions with scientists and PhD students working in these fields 

•           Commercialization secrets & university-industry relations uncovered: learn how energy technologies are entering the market place

•           Relaxed and very enjoyable learning environment

•           Students from the School of Science & School of Engineering interested in getting a broad overview of energy-related research activities are also welcome to attend

MSE 2803 Lab Course - Fall 2012

Let's Have Fun, Challenge, and Learn !

Invitation to a Hands-on Conceptual Lab Course (2-3-3)
MSE 2803:

Laboratory for Fundamental Concepts of Materials
* Lecture: MW, 1:05-1:55pm, Room: TBA
* Lab Sections: A: Thurs. 12:05-2:55 pm, BH 357
or B: Thurs. 3:05-5:55 pm, BH 357


* Prerequisite: None !
* An elective course for Fall 2012.
* An introductory inquiry-guided lab course for UG.
* Optical microscope is the only tool to use !
* Open to everyone, but only up to first 24 students !

Examples of the Labs to Explore !
1) Reintroduction to your first scientific tool: Light microscopy (transmission, reflection and polarized), image formation, and image analysis
2) Why is the sky blue?: Scattering and diffraction (1d & 2d) from the materials
3) Demonstration of phase transitions, nucleation and growth: Breath figures, a model system for chemical vapor deposition
4) Liquid crystals and LCD: A soft condensed matter system displaying a variety of defects, phase transitions, and morphologies
5) Polymer crystallization
6) Energy harvesting: Rubber photoelasticity, entropy wheels and photovoltaics
7) Photonics in nature and structural colors: Butterfly wing scales using reflection microscopy

For more information, contact:
Prof. Mohan Srinivasarao: 404-894

Planetary Classes Offered Fall 2012

Both the Physics of Planets class and the Planetary Seminar will be offered again in Fall 2012


Physics of Planets--The course surveys all of planetary science (from orbits to atmospheres to surfaces to interiors), taking a quantitative approach appropriate for graduate students and upper-level undergraduates.  The term project (designing a planetary space mission) is always a highlight. http://shadow.eas.gatech.edu/~cpaty/courses/PhysicsPlanets2011 


Planetary Seminar--We anticipate maintaining a high proportion of exciting external speakers (in addition to sampling the range of planetary research conducted by local scientists and engineers).  This "course" meets only one hour per week, and students need only attend and occasionally ask questions to earn credit.
http://shadow.eas.gatech.edu/~cpaty/courses/PlanetarySeminar