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 for the student to acquire knowledge enabling the appreciation of the concepts of nanotechnology and molecular biology, and theintegration of which within biomedical surface science

The course outlines recent developments within nanotechnology and the implications thereof for molecular biology. Also, application of the principles of colloid and surface chemistry in order to control preparations and properties of nanostructures is emphasized. Moreover, the interactions of live cells and cellular structures with nano objects, and also, techniques used for regulation on the molecular and aggregate levels, drawing on different nanotechnologies, will be discussed.

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to

1. explain the concepts of nanotechnology and nanoscience and account for the importance of which in the development of biomedical surface science,

2. explain the interdisciplinary nature of nanotechnology, using examples from biology, medicine, chemistry and physics,

3. evaluate the different technologies used in the synthesis and analysis of nanostructures, and also the phenomena that determine the interactions between nano objects and biological and artificial interfaces,

4. analyse how methods of molecular biology are applied within Nanotechnology,

5. apply adequate methods of molecular biology in the characterization of the impact of nanostructures on biological systems, and

6. discuss ethical issues relevant to nanobiotechnology and nanomedicine.

Learning forms based on induction and principles of active learning, critical thinking, and problem solving are central to the course in order to obtain the learning outcomes 1-6. Specifically the learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, and 6 will be obtained after application of the learning forms lectures, seminars, and independent literature studies when students prepare seminar presentations. The learning outcomes 3, 4, and 5 will be obtained through the learning form laboratory experiments. Web based forms of reporting are used.

The learning outcomes 1-6 are examined through individual oral and written reports, seminar presentations, approved examination assignments and written reports.

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.

Cao, G. (2011) Nanostructures and Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications. Singapore: World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd, pp. 600.

Scientific articles 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.