Smart Materials: Microscale and Macroscale Approaches from Coursera

Smart materials represent a cutting-edge global trend both in fundamental science and emerging technologies. Smart materials science is a truly interdisciplinary area at the intersection of physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, mathematical simulations, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and etc. An online course in smart materials will be of obvious interest for everyone who is interested in modern materials science and emerging trends in engineering, biotechnology, and medicine. A broad variety of materials are actually considered as smart ones: from shape memory alloys to polymer nanosystems. We expect that the Coursera audience will benefit from a compact and simple online course that integrates specific modern aspects and trends of fabrication, modification, characterization, and applications of smart materials. With this course, we would like to introduce specific aspects of an exciting interdisciplinary area “Smart Materials” in a way it can be easily understood by a broad audience. We will focus on how remarkable properties of smart materials correlate with simple structural features at nanoscale and microscale, discuss various methods to characterize materials with smart properties. We will highlight inspiring trends in applications of smart materials. For a microscale approach, we offer the Lab on a Chip technology and tell a story on to use microfluidic chips for fabricating smart systems. For a macroscale approach, we introduce modern analytical methods that are used to characterize smart materials We expect that this course will be interesting for a broad audience that is keen to learn more about how smart materials contribute to well-established and emerging technologies.

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Explores smart materials used in established technologies, increasingly used in industry

Investigates the structure of smart materials at varying scales

Reviews the analytical techniques used to characterize smart materials

Introduces modern microfluidic techniques

Teaches skills used in the analysis and characterization of smart materials

Suitable for those interested in the fundamentals of smart materials and materials science

Reviews summary

Smart materials: scholarly and well-organized

Smart Materials: Microscale and Macroscale Approaches is a scholarly course that provides overviews of smart materials, their structures, fabrication, and applications. The course is widely enjoyed by its students who appreciate the organization, thoroughness, and clarity of the content.

Covers latest materials and trends

"This is an exceptional course for anyone who thrives to understand how upgraded modified latest designed materials are taking over the future."

Appeals to various learning styles

"a well made course with a strong focus on both visual and literary learners."

Covers all aspects of topic

"The course gives an overview about the design, fabrication, and application of smart materials in various industries."

Easy to understand

"It was a amazing curse.... at micro scale"

Well-organized and presented

"Well organized, well presented one!!!"

May be difficult to understand

"Sometimes it was difficult to understand the Professors, in terms of language difficulties."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Smart Materials: Microscale and Macroscale Approaches with these activities:

Read 'Smart Materials: Concepts and Applications' by M. Schwartz

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of smart materials through a widely recognized textbook

View Control and Optimization of Distributed... on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly
Take notes and highlight important concepts
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises

Review basic chemistry concepts

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Refresh your foundational chemistry knowledge to reinforce foundational concepts

Browse courses on Chemistry

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Review your old chemistry notes or textbooks
Complete online practice problems on basic chemistry topics

Build a simple circuit

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Practice applying your understanding of circuits by building a simple one

Browse courses on Circuit Building

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Gather the necessary materials
Follow a tutorial on circuit building
Test your circuit and troubleshoot any issues

Five other activities

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Watch video tutorials on smart materials applications

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Gain insights into the practical applications of smart materials through guided video tutorials

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Search for online videos on smart materials applications
Take notes on the different applications and their benefits

Join a study group or online forum for smart materials

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Engage with fellow learners to discuss concepts and exchange ideas related to smart materials

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Identify and join a study group or online forum
Participate in discussions and ask questions
Collaborate on projects or assignments

Write a blog post summarizing smart materials research

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Synthesize your understanding of smart materials and hone your communication skills by writing a blog post

Browse courses on Materials Science

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Research recent advancements in smart materials
Organize your findings and outline your blog post
Write the blog post in a clear and engaging manner

Volunteer to tutor students in smart materials

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Solidify your understanding of smart materials by helping others

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Identify opportunities to volunteer as a tutor
Prepare lessons and materials on smart materials topics
Provide guidance and support to students

Contribute to an open-source project related to smart materials

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Gain hands-on experience in smart materials while contributing to the broader development community

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Identify an open-source project related to smart materials
Learn about the project and its goals
Identify an area to contribute to and make your changes

Career center

Learners who complete Smart Materials: Microscale and Macroscale Approaches will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Nanotechnologist

Nanotechnologists research and develop materials, devices, and systems at the nanoscale. They use their knowledge of chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering to create new technologies. This course can provide a solid understanding of nanoscale properties and characterization methods, which are fundamental aspects of Nanotechnology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nanotechnologist

Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists research and develop new or improved materials for various applications. The work of a Materials Scientist can overlap with a variety of other fields. For example, those who work in the field of nanomaterials may collaborate with Chemists, Physicists, and Engineers to study the structure and properties of materials at the nanoscale. By examining structural features at nano- and microscales, Smart Materials: Microscale and Macroscale Approaches will help build a foundation in the fundamental science behind the field of Materials Science.

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Physicist

Physicists study the fundamental laws of nature and matter. They research and develop new theories and technologies in many areas of physics, including condensed matter physics, materials science, and nanotechnology. Smart Materials: Microscale and Macroscale Approaches may be useful for Physicists who work in these fields. This course can provide a foundation in the fundamental science underpinning smart materials and their applications.

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Microfabrication Engineer

Microfabrication Engineers develop and manufacture micro- and nano-scale devices and systems. The production process can involve a variety of techniques, materials, and equipment, and fabrication methods can range from simple to complex. With a focus on micro- and nanoscale approaches, Smart Materials: Microscale and Macroscale Approaches can help you understand the structural features, material properties, and fabrication methods used to create micro- and nanosystems. Knowledge in this area can be applied to both academic and industrial settings.

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Biotechnologist

Biotechnologists use biological processes, organisms, or systems to develop technologies and products. Some areas of Biotechnology research include developing new drugs, biofuels, food sources, and medical treatments. Smart Materials: Microscale and Macroscale Approaches may be useful for Biotechnologists who work with microfluidic chips, microfabrication, or other micro- or nanoscale systems.

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Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers apply the principles of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals, fuels, drugs, food, and other products. Smart Materials: Microscale and Macroscale Approaches may be useful for Chemical Engineers who work in the materials science industry, especially those who work with smart materials or microfabrication.

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Mathematician

Mathematicians develop new mathematical theories and techniques to solve problems in many areas of science and engineering. They also use mathematics to develop computer models and simulations. Smart Materials: Microscale and Macroscale Approaches may be useful for Mathematicians who work in the field of materials science or mathematical simulations.

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Lab Technician

Lab Technicians conduct experiments, collect data, and maintain laboratory equipment. They work in a variety of settings, including universities, hospitals, and research institutions. Smart Materials: Microscale and Macroscale Approaches may be useful for Lab Technicians who work in materials science or microfabrication facilities.

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Science Teacher

Science Teachers educate students in science subjects, such as biology, chemistry, and physics. They may also teach students about the scientific method and how to conduct experiments. Smart Materials: Microscale and Macroscale Approaches can help Science Teachers stay up-to-date on current trends in materials science and nanotechnology, which they can incorporate into their teaching.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain complex technical information to a specific audience. Smart Materials: Microscale and Macroscale Approaches may be useful for Technical Writers who need to write about materials science or nanotechnology.

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Patent Attorney

Patent Attorneys help inventors obtain patents for their inventions. They also advise clients on patent law and intellectual property rights. Smart Materials: Microscale and Macroscale Approaches could provide a useful overview of the science behind smart materials, which could be helpful for Patent Attorneys who work with clients in the fields of materials science or nanotechnology.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate scientific information to the public. They may write articles, books, or online content about a variety of scientific topics. Smart Materials: Microscale and Macroscale Approaches may be useful for Science Writers who want to learn more about the latest trends in materials science and nanotechnology.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects. They may work in a variety of industries, including engineering, construction, and information technology. Smart Materials: Microscale and Macroscale Approaches may be useful for Project Managers who work on projects involving materials science or nanotechnology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts help organizations understand their business needs and develop solutions to improve their operations. Smart Materials: Microscale and Macroscale Approaches may be useful for Business Analysts who work with companies in the materials science or nanotechnology industries.

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Investment Banker

Investment Bankers help companies raise money by selling stocks and bonds. They may also advise companies on mergers and acquisitions. Smart Materials: Microscale and Macroscale Approaches is not directly related to Investment Banking, but it may be useful for Investment Bankers who want to learn more about the materials science and nanotechnology industries.

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Smart Materials

Microscale and Macroscale Approaches

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Reviews summary

Smart materials: scholarly and well-organized

Activities

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