Entry requirements

The participant is expected to have completed courses in Physical Chemistry MN1, 10 credit points or Physical Biochemistry NV1, 10 credit points and Mathematics and statistics NV1, 10 credit points or Mathematics 10 credit points.

Content

The course is intended to provide knowledge of physical-chemical properties of colloids and macromolecules in solution. It will also give theoretical and practical knowledge of some common methods for the characterisation of colloids and macromolecules in solution. The course includes: Macromolecules: the structure, conformation, and thermodynamics of polymers. Rheological properties of polymer solutions. Structure and dynamics of particulate and polymer gels. Surface Chemistry: thermodynamics, surface forces. Colloids and other molecular aggregates: emulsions, dispersions, aerosols, micelles, liposomes, monolayers. Determination of dimensions of colloids and macromolecules: light- and neutron scattering, X-ray, NMR, electron microscopy, ultracentrifugation and other methods. Transport properties: diffusion, sedimentation, viscosity.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars, laboratory works and demonstrations. A significant part of the course content will be acquired from problem based learning (PBL). Participation in the PBL related activities is compulsory.

Assessment

Examination is arranged at the end of the course. In order to pass the course the laboratory work, as well as the PBL activities, must be completed. Student who have failed a test have the right to take a new examination at the end of the autumn semester, after Christmas vacations and at the end of the spring semester.