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.

3. Passing 45 credits of the courses in the Master’s program semesters 1 and 2 or equivalent (transferable credits).

The aim of this course is to give the theoretical background and practical experience required to explain the role of surfaces in living systems, and to create, control and measure surface chemical properties of biological and artificial interfaces.

The course is project orientated with ties both to academy and the surrounding industry. The course is based on applied problems and contains surface-chemical techniques to study phenomena related to biological and artificial interfaces. Biocompatibility is used to illustrate the need of modifying or create artificial interfaces with specific properties. A large number of surface chemical methods are described for the characterization of air / liquid, liquid / liquid and solid surfaces. The activity of biological interfaces is investigated in projects that focus on immunoassays, enzyme activity, the development of biosensors, cell migration and wound healing.

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to

1. explain the role of surfaces in living systems, including problems of biocompatibility,

2. apply relevant methods for characterization of surface chemical and biological properties of biological and artificial interfaces,

3. explain theoretical relationships forming the basis of methods used in surface and colloidal chemistry in relation to biological and artificial interfaces,

4. compare methods and technologies used for creating or studying biological interfaces,

5. create artificial biological interfaces used in research, development and applications, and

6. modify the surface chemical properties of artificial interfaces.

The course is project oriented. To achieve the learning outcomes 1-6 problem-based learning based on laboratory projects are used together with group seminars. Independent laboratory work, oral and written result reports will be used to stimulate students' active participation and reflection in order to achieve the learning outcomes 3 and 4. Web based forms of reporting are used.

The learning outcomes 1-6 are examined through written examination, participation in seminars and project discussions and written project report.Assessment of learning outcomes 3 and 4 will be done by the final project report and oral presentations.

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.

Baszkin, A., Norde, W. (2000) Physical Chemistry of Biological Interfaces. N.Y.: Marcel Dekker, Inc., pp. 840. Norde, W. (2003) Colloids and Interfaces in Life Science. N.Y: Marcel Dekker, pp. 433.

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.