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327-2209-00L 5 Credits MSC D-MATL

Disorder in Materials

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Jörg F. Löffler, Prof. Dr. Arkadiy Simonov
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:39:57

Abstract

The course presents structure-property relationships in complex materials, such as metallic glasses and other disordered materials, magnetic spin ice, and chemically disordered crystals.

Objective

The aim of the course is to impart detailed knowledge of the structure-property relationships in complex materials, such as metallic glasses and other disordered materials, as well as magnetic spin ices and chemically disordered crystals. Students are encouraged to reflect critically on the topics taught in the lecture. They should give critical feedback and in this way structure the progress of the lecture.

Content

Part 1 focuses on the synthesis and processing of amorphous materials using physical routes. The resulting structure is discussed, as well as their thermodynamics and kinetics. The course focuses in particular on the relationships between the structure of glassy metals and other disordered materials and their resulting mechanical, thermophysical, biomedical and electronic properties. As to processing, new manufacturing routes such as 3D printing of metals are also introduced. Part 2 focuses on materials that contain both ordered and disordered aspects. Examples are magnetic spin ices and chemically disordered crystals.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture material is presented in the form of slides and assignments, with the aim that the students develop their own, critical perspective on the subject. This also results in an adoption of the lecture content with respect to the feedback given by the students. A script is not delivered as it would just promote a "read, memorize, and reproduce" learning perspective, which is not the intention of this course. Instead, references to original articles and reviews will be provided (see below).Further details at:https://metphys.mat.ethz.ch/education/lectures/disordered-materials-ii.html

Literature

References to original articles and reviews for further reading will be provided. Further details at: https://metphys.mat.ethz.ch/education/lectures/disordered-materials-ii.html

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 90 minutes
Aids
Non-programmable pocket calculator
Over the course of the lecture, students are asked to solve eight assignments. For reasonably solved assignments students will receive up to 0.25 grade points to improve the total course unit grade.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Disorder in Materials
  • Mon 09:45-11:30 (HCP E 47.3)
  • Wed 11:45-13:30 (HCI H 2.1)
4 h weekly

Offered In