Main Goals: a thorough knowledge of Physics (Physics of soft matter and materials of low dimension) theoretical understanding of physical phenomena (including the statistical models used in the interpretation of the abovementioned materials properties and its phase transitions) modelling and solving problems specific to the area.
Also: ability to stay current; Ability to search and use the bibliography; to be familiar with the frontiers of research
Skills: Competence in analysis and synthesis;. Computer skills related to the scope of the study;. Competence to solve problems;. Competence in critical reasoning;. Autonomous learning competence;. Competence in oral and written communications;. Creativity;. Competence in applying in practice the theoretical knowledge;. Competency in self-criticism and self-evaluation;.Ability to do perform research projects.

Soft matter: forces, energy and time-scales. Intermolecular forces. Condensation and solidification.
Viscous, elastic and viscoelastic behaviour.
Liquids and glasses. Glass transition.
Phase transitions in soft matter. Classification.
Liquid mixtures. Free energy, phase diagrams, interfaces. Kinetics of phase separation.
Liquid-solid transition. Solidification and fusion. Nucleation.
Coloidal dispersions.
Coloidal particle in a liquid. Stokes law, brownian motion and diffusion.
Einstein equation. Forces between colloidal particles.
Polymeric materials.
Rubbers and viscoelastic behaviour.
Gels. Percolation model. Gelation theory. Flory-Stockmayer model. Liquid crystals. Nematic-isotopic transition. Defects. Electric and magnetic properties. Frederiks transition. liquid crystal displays.
Thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystal polymers.
Supramolecular self-organisation. Micelles, vesicles and membranes.
Low-dimensional materials. Molecular and low dimensional magnetism.

Basic knowledge in Condensed Matter Physics