Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree. The participant is expected to have completed courses in Chemistry 60 credits inclusive Physical Chemistry 15 credits alternatively passed courses in science/technology 120 credits of which 21 credits chemistry or materials science 60 credits.

Learning outcomes

The course is intended as an introduction into the fundaments of Colloid and Interface Chemistry

Content

Colloid and Interface Chemistry explains the properties of many materials and processes. Common products often contains small colloidal particles (in the size range 1 nanometer to 10 micrometers) that have been formed either by decomposition of large particles, or by the assembly of small molecules. In both cases a large interfacial area results, that are decisive for the chemical and physical properties of the system, such as structure, stability and viscosity. In connection with drug processing, knowledge of Colloid and Interface Chemistry is important within almost every step, from the syntheses of the active molecules and the formulation of the drug, via the evaluation of its effects in biological systems, to the production. Lectures and lessons on: Thermodynamics of interfaces, surface tension, and surface adsorption. Intermolecular interactions. Self-associating colloids, in particular of biological relevance. Phase relations and phase structures. Interactions between colloidal particles, DLVO theory. Adsorption of polymers, steric stabilisation and surface forces. Overview of applications for drug transport, and biophysical properties. Laboratory work and demonstrations include: Calculation of the ion distribution outside a charge surface. Determination of phase diagrams. Techniques for the characterisation of samples of surface active molecules, lipids, and polymers in water. Mixing and characterisation of EMLA®, a local anaesthetic crème.

Instruction

Lectures, lessons, seminars, laboratory work.

Assessment

Written examination, seminars and laboratory work.