Theoretical Soft Matter and Fluid Mechanics: Statistical Mechanics; Molecular, Brownian and Stokesian Dynamics Simulations; Low Reynolds Number Flow; Diffusion; Microrheology; Colloidal Suspensions & Devices; and Granular Flows

INQU5085 Soft Materials. In spite of increasing research projects related to soft materials at UPRM, student exposure to underling principles of this field is limited. This motivated Córdova-Figueroa to develop an introductory course to the fundamental physical and chemical properties of soft condensed matter and how they are used to engineer technologically relevant materials. Among the topics discussed in class are: intermolecular and particle forces, colloidal systems and characterization, in- troduction to fluid formulation, rheology, stability, sensorial properties, thermophysical properties of liquids, surfactants, single and double emulsions, lipids and vesicles, cells and tissue, polymers, gels and hydrogels, liquid crystals, and granular materials. Recently, the course was sponsored by P&G to promote hands-on learning of soft matter science and engineering via design of innovative consumer products in collaboration with the UPRM Soft Matter Innovation Lab.

INQU6009 Colloids and Interfaces. This is another course created by Córdova-Figueroa in light of providing advance experiences to graduate students at UPRM on the principles of colloid science and interfacial phenomena. The topics discussed in this course are: thermodynamics of surfaces, prepara- tion and characterization of colloidal particles, colloidal hydrodynamics and interparticle forces, sta- tistical mechanics of stochastic processes, diffusion, among others. It is also used to provide training to research students working with Córdova-Figueroa.