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: 12.01.2021 - 09.03.2021

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

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Juan Valle Delgado, Monika Österberg

Contact information for the course (valid 08.12.2020-21.12.2112):

Prof. Monika Österberg, room 323 (Puu I),
monika.osterberg@aalto.fi

Juan José Valle-Delgado, room 321 (Puu
I),
juanjose.valledelgado@aalto.fi

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:

    Grading scale: 0-5

    Contributions to the final grade:

    - Exam (50%). The
    exam must be passed
    in order to pass the course.

    - Quizzes and home
    assignments (25%).

    - Laboratory work (15%)

    - Calculus exercises (10%).

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:

    - Lectures (online via Zoom): 26 h

    - Exercise classes (online via Zoom): 6 h

    - Lab work (in campus): 4 h

    - Independent work (including assignments, lab report, studying for exam): 99 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