Descriptif

How does one make solar cells? How quantum phenomena change our life? Why would one 3D-print concrete? What is the use of a very thin film? Is snow really slippery? These are a few among a zoo of questions about material science. Most industrial, biological, artistic or technological activities rely on the choice, design and tuning of physical or mechanical properties of many materials.

The class aims at giving a partial view of research, innovation and development activities in the broad field of materials, using examples drawn from the fundamental and applied research. The topics can range from optoelectronics, sustainable energy devices, structured surfaces, graphene, 3D-printing of biological or construction material, the flow of glass, …

The course will consist in a series of scientific talks by researchers or engineers that work in the field who have themselves developed new key concepts or products. The speakers are invited from French and foreign academic institutes or private companies.

Following the course, the students will develop a personal project on one of the proposed conferences. They are invited to deepen the scientific, technical, social and economic aspects of the topic they have chosen.

The course will be taught in English.

Cet enseignement fait partie des actions proposées dans le cadre de la Chaire X/Saint-Gobain «Procédés et Matériaux Innovants». Les conférences seront organisées à l’X. Une visite de site industriel est également prévue.

Numerus clausus : 20 étudiants

Mise à jour : 14 avril 2020