Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After the course the student

  • recognises the theoretical background of surface and colloid chemistry, and can explain the basic solution properties of colloid systems.
  • can discuss about the adsorption of polyelectrolytes and surfactants using theoretical background and apply them to the biorefinery technology.
  • can designate the use of nanotechnology in the field of renewable materials.
  • understands the bottom-up principle of designing new materials and knows the special features of working with nanoparticles in practice.

Credits: 5

Schedule: 08.01.2019 - 05.03.2019

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Monika Österberg

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Monika Österberg

Contact information for the course (valid 04.12.2018-21.12.2112):

Teacher in charge:   Prof. Monika Österberg, room 323 (Puu 1)

Other teacher:          Juan José Valle Delgado, room 321 (Puu 1)

CEFR level (applies in this implementation):

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

Teaching language: English

Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Surfaces and interfaces; adhesion, cohesion, wetting and adsorption; surface-active agents; water-soluble polymers and polyelectrolytes; surface modification methods; flocculation and colloidal stability; biobased and inorganic nanoparticles; antifouling. The course will consist of lectures, exercises, home assignments and lab work focusing on application-based problems.

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Exam, exercises, home assignments and lab work. Everything will contribute to the final grade.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    The following evaluation criteria will be applied:

    - Final exam: It will contribute 50% to the final grade. The exam must be passed in order to pass the course.

    Home assignments and quizzes: Some quizzes will be done during or after the lectures. Some homeworks will also be offered after the lectures with a submission deadline of one week. Altogether, they will add up to 25% of the final grade. Home assignments and quizzes are optional tasks.

    - Calculus exercises: Three calculus and problem solving exercises will be offered during the course. They will be solved in class. The answers can be submitted before or after the corresponding class. Double number of points will be given to the right answers submitted before the classes. The calculus exercises will contribute 10 % to the final grade. Calculus exercises are optional tasks.

    Laboratory work: Three lab works will be arranged in two different days. The lab works will be carried out in groups, and a short report must be submitted afterwards. Both performance in the lab and report will be evaluated. Lab work evaluation will account for 15% of the final grade. The participation in the laboratory work is compulsory.


Workload
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    5 cr = 135 h

    Lectures: 20-26 h

    Exercises: 4-8 h

    Lab work: 4-10 h

    Self-study, including home assignments, laboratory report and studying for exam: 95-110 h

  • Applies in this implementation:

    The work load will be distributed in the following way:

    - Lectures: 24 h.

    - Exercises: 6 h.

    - Lab work: 5 h.

    - Self study, including home assignments, laboratory report and studying for exam: 100 h.


DETAILS

Study Material
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    The book "G.T. Barnes and I.R. Gently. Interfacial Science (Oxford University Press)", and other material given in the course.

    Other recommended books:

    B. Kronberg: 'Surface Chemistry of Surfactantas and Polymers' (Whiley).

    R.J. Hunter: 'Foundations of Colloid Science' (Oxford University Press).

Prerequisites
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Laboratory safety course CHEM-A1010 or CHEM-E0140 (or alternatively, laboratory safety as part of courses CHEM-A1000 or CHEM-E0100 taught before Academic Year 2017-2018) must have been passed before performing any laboratory works in this course.

SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    15 Life on Land