G. (George) Palasantzas, Prof

MY CONVICTION IN EDUCATION: "Make students feel home when they come in class"

Mathematical Physics / Bachelor 1st year. This module deals with more advanced topics from calculus: The first part is about sequences and series (limits of sequences, convergence of series), and second order differential equations (techniques to solve second order differential equations and application to atomic force microscopy). The second part is about basic introduction to Fourier analysis and a basic introduction to partial differential equations with an emphasis on applications in Physics (heat conduction, vibrations, Laplace and Poisson equation.

Electronics for BMT students / Bachelor 3rd year.  The course will give to the student knowledge of modern electronics, signal analysis, and system control both on a theoretical and practical level. Therefore, after following this course the students are able to reproduce and apply the knowledge about modern electronics circuits obtained in class not only to solve problems for the exam but also to analyze circuits in research type environment involving computer simulations of circuits with the professional LTSpice software package.

Surface Interactions in Electromechanical Systems (MSc Appl. Phys 1st year):  A consequence of the quantum behaviour of electromagnetic fields is that each field mode contains intrinsic zeropoint energy when it is not vibrating. The zero-point energy is not just an arbitrary constant but has real observable consequences. Indeed, two mirrors facing each other in vacuum are mutually attracted to each other by the disturbance ofquantum vacuum fluctuations – a phenomenon first predicted in 1948 by the Dutch theoretical physicist Hendrik Casimir. Nevertheless, the last ten years the Casimir field has attracted significant attention and has focused on one hand on observationsof the Casimir force in complex geometries and novel materials such as phase-change, nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, liquids,metamaterials etc. with a view to applications, especially in nanomachines. Topics that I  cover include: Introduction to Casimir physics, surface forces, force measurements, Lifshitz theory for Casimir / van der Waals forces between real materials and Thermal effects, Capilary and Electrostatic forces, Influence of optical properties on Casimir-Lifshitz forces: From attraction to repulsion, Influence of geometry-surface morphology on Casimir-Lifshitz forces, Applications to MEMS actuation, stiction, chaotic motion.

RATINGS OF MY CURRENT  Bachelor courses / As a team for each course we aim to achieve high ratings,  and thus to satisfy the very first reason why students to choose University of Groningen (UG) - Top quality education

Former courses I gave: Research Practicum (2 year Physics, 2000-2010), Calculus-2 (1 year Physics & Mathematics, 2013), Characterization of Nanomaterials - Scanning Probe Microscopy /Top masters in Nanoscience program (2005-2015)

Basic Qualification Education in RUG/NL (BKO)

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TEACHING PERFORMANCE:

• Teacher of the year  Physics and Astronomy 2009-2010
• Nominee for teacher of the year Physics and Astronomy 2010-2011
• Nominee for teacher of the year Mathematics & Applied Mathematics 2013-2014
• Nominee for teacher of the year Physics 2013-2014 / Best teacher of 2nd year Physics 2013-2014
• Nominee for teacher of the year Physics 2014-2015 / Best teacher of 1st year Physics 2014-2015
• Nominee voor Docent van het jaar natuurkunde 2015-2016/ Best teacher of 2sec year Physics 2015-2016
• Nominee for teacher of the year Physics 2016-2017