GRADUATE COURSE ON DIFFUSION
E219C/MSE219C: DIFFUSION: History, Physics, Mathematics
Spring Semester, 2004
A rare opportunity to read, enjoy, and reflect on what is perhaps the single
most important notion that unifies all of modern science
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FOR STUDENTS IN THE SCIENCES, ENGINEERING, ECONOMICS, OR HISTORY
HISTORICAL , EXPERIMENTAL AND THEORETICAL ASPECTS
CRITICAL READING OF ORIGINAL PAPERS THAT REVOLUTIONIZED SCIENCE
IN-DEPTH EXPLORATION OF CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN ANY CHOSEN FIELD
Instructor: T. N. Narasimhan, Materials Science and Engineering
Phone: 510-642-4561
e-mail: tnnarasimhan@LBL.gov
DEPARTMENT OF MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
University of California at Berkeley
Spring Semester 2004
Eng 219C/MSE 219C: DIFFUSION, History, Physics, Mathematics
Units, Venue:
3 units, Tu, Th 2-3.30 pm, 65 Evans
Course Control No.:
Eng 219 - 28173
Instructor:
T. N. Narasimhan
MSE 219 - 53496
The Course:
“Diffusion” is an extraordinary physical and mathematical concept. The diffusion
model is used as the basis of analysis in every field of modern science, from
conduction of heat in materials to molecular migration, flow of water in the earth,
dispersal of populations and fluctuation of stock prices. Over more than two
centuries, the scientific foundations of the phenomenon of diffusion have evolved
through contributions of some of the greatest minds of modern science, from
Laplace and Lavoisier to Einstein.
This course provides a comprehensive look at the physics and mathematics of
diffusion against a backdrop of historical development of ideas. Topics covered in
the lectures will include history (from the eighteenth century to present); heat
conduction; flow of electric current; molecular diffusion in solids, liquids and
gases; fluids in porous materials; stochastic diffusion; mathematical solution
approaches; and numerical methods. Illustrative examples will be drawn from a
variety of physical, biological, geological and social disciplines. Homework
assignments will consist of reading original papers, both classical and modern,
chosen from an extensive reading list. The final term-paper will provide
opportunities for in-depth study of any aspect of diffusion (historical,
experimental, or theoretical) and to explore connectivity of thought among
various disciplines.
Course is open to graduate students and motivated undergraduate seniors in
the sciences, engineering, economics or history of science from the Colleges of
Engineering, Letters and Science, Chemistry, and Natural Resources and the
School of Business.