CHEM-E2155 - Biopolymers D, Lecture, 7.1.2025-24.3.2025

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

  • knows the most common natural and synthetic biodegradable polymers
  • can define what is biodegradation and how it is measured
  • can describe the synthesis methods of synthetic biodegradable polymers
  • knows the application areas and particular requirements of biodegradable polymers

Credits: 5

Schedule: 07.01.2025 - 24.03.2025

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Michael Hummel

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    This Graduate level course deals with the general topic of biopolymers. In this context, this is an introductory course in which Biopolymers indicate those derived from renewable resources (bio-based), either biodegradable or non-biodegradable, and polymers derived from non-renewable resources that are biodegradable. It also includes those polymers produced by biological systems such as microorganisms, plants, or animals, or obtained by chemical synthesis. Fundamentals of the physical chemistry are brought to life with examples from such fields as biotechnology, paper science, biomaterials, etc. Topics include Synthetic Biopolymers, Biodegradation, (bacterial) Cellulose, Polypeptides, etc.

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Lectures and summaries of discussion

    Independent work through three course assignments: each assignment contributes to 20% of the final grade 3x20% = 60%

    Final assignment: represents 40% of the final grade

Workload

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Lectures 20 h

    Independent studying 91 h

    Preparation of final assignment 24 h

DETAILS

Study Material

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Selected research articles and book chapters will be provided throughout the course and serves as basis for the discussion that will take place in every lecture.

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    12 Responsible Production and Consumption

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language: English

    Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring III - IV
    2025-2026 Spring III - IV

Rules of Conduct - Students´ Rights and Responsibilities (in force from 1 August 2020)

Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof