1. Bachelor’s degree (180 credits) or equivalent with a major in chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical technology, biomedical methods and technology, biomedical laboratory science, or in other areas of natural, medical, engineering sciences or technology of relevance to the programme with a minimum of 15 credits in chemistry and/or biochemistry.

2. The equivalent of English B, or English 6, in Swedish secondary school.

The aim of the course is to enable the students to acquire the theoretical knowledge required for understanding surface chemistry in academia as well as industrial biomedical and biotech research.

In the course, colloidal and surface chemical structures that exist in nature, for example in living cells and cellular structures as well as those used in applications in bio, biomedical, food, pharmaceutical technology and laboratory methodology are considered. Colloidal and surface chemical structures are described through principles and mechanisms that determine self-association of molecules. The role of intermolecular forces and thermodynamic relations are presented and discussed in order to give theoretical understanding of molecular self-organizations in cell biology and biotechnology as well as to explain behavior of molecules at surfaces (for example adsorption). Surface chemical behavior of surfactants, lipids and biopolymers is described in order to show the factors that define rheological properties and stability in polymer and dispersed systems.

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to

1. analyze the importance of surface chemical properties of biological and artificial interfaces,

2. describe principles and mechanisms that determine self-organization of molecular structures, e.g., self-organization of liquid crystalline systems using curvature and critical packing parameter,

3. perform theoretical analysis of forces acting in colloidal systems,

4. formulate and discuss principles of adsorption of surface active substances at different interfaces,

5. explain the main factors that affect rheological properties in biopolymer systems, and

6. identify and explain parameters that determine stability in dispersed systems.

To achieve the learning outcomes 1-6 lectures, seminars, problem-based learning and independent literature studies are used. Independent laboratory work, oral and written reports and laboratory experiments are used to stimulate students' active participation and reflection in order to achieve the learning outcomes 2, 4, 5 and 6.

The learning outcomes 1-6 are assessed through written examination and individual projects reports. Results from the practical methods section along with oral presentations and written assignments form the basis for assessment of learning outcomes 2, 4, 5 and 6

A student who fails to achieve a passing grade in the course examination will be given the opportunity to be re-examined twice according to same course content and with the same requirements. In addition, students also have the right to be examined on the same course the next time the course is offered according to the same regulations. If the course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student has a right to re-examination on two occasions within one year, based on the syllabus that was in place at the time the student registered for the course. Examination and re-examination take place at the times specified in the schedule.

Hamley, I. W. (2007) Introduction to soft matter: synthetic and biological self-assembling materials. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, pp. 328.

Holmberg, K., Jönsson, B., Kronberg, B., Lindman, B. (2003) Surfactants and polymers in aqueous solution. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, 2003, pp. 545.

Scientific publications will be added.

The course coordinator/examiner is responsible for ensuring that two course evaluations will be conducted for the course. A preliminary course evaluation will be conducted upon the completion of half of the course. The results will be compiled and relayed to the students as soon as possible. The results will be presented on the course website and will be relayed to students during lesson time. A summary course evaluation will be conducted in connection with the completion of the course. The course coordinator will relay the results to the students at a prearranged time. Memory notes from the feedback, including proposals for changes to the course, will be documented and made available on the course website, and will also be relayed to the students who begin the course the next time it is given.