Materials science: From atoms to fusion reactors (Under 18s)

**Under 18s**

By using real-life examples we will illustrate how state-of-art technologies depend on materials which they are made of. We will find out how understanding the fundamental properties of materials made it possible to build jet engines, magnetic resonances and nuclear reactors, how it helped us invent hip implants, quartz clock and lighters, but also how it allowed us to make everyday objects, for instance buildings, cars and cell phones, extremely effiecent. We will immerse ourselves in examining materials properties at the atomic scale and we will find out what methods researchers use to look down to such nano-levels. Last but not least we will point out some modern “hype” technologies as for example 3D printers, graphene and nanoscience in general.

No previous knowledge is required. The course won’t involve any difficult math. It is suitable for everyone passionate about science and how stuff works.

Course leader

Josef Hazi

Target group

High school students

Course aim

We will find out how understanding the fundamental properties of materials made it possible to build jet engines, magnetic resonances and nuclear reactors, how it helped us invent hip implants, quartz clock and lighters, but also how it allowed us to make everyday objects, for instance buildings, cars and cell phones, extremely effiecent. We will immerse ourselves in examining materials properties at the atomic scale and we will find out what methods researchers use to look down to such nano-levels. Last but not least we will point out some modern “hype” technologies as for example 3D printers, graphene and nanoscience in general.