Main Field of Study and progress level:
Chemistry: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Grading scale: Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail
Responsible department: Department of Chemistry
Revised by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2021-08-09
Contents
The course covers biophysical and chemical processes in the environment and in biological systems. The practical part of the course includes spectroscopic measurements on proteins and their interaction with small organic molecules, equilibrium calculations based on fugacity concepts and characterization of molecular adsorption on organic (eg nanotubes, membranes) and inorganic surfaces (e.g. different minerals). The course covers the following areas: thermodynamics, absorption processes, kinetics, fugacity, physicochemical properties, molecular dynamics and spectroscopic methods with focus on mainly NMR spectroscopy as well as Raman, IR and Fluorescence spectroscopy. The course also has a literature project that includes literature search; a project which will be reported orally but also in written form. The course also addresses the theory of science and ethics. The practical moments of the course are closely related to ongoing research at Umeå University in the area of proteins and pharmaceutical and environmental chemistry.
Expected learning outcomes
* describe and discuss various chemical processes at interfaces and describe its thermodynamic and kinetic dependence based on physico-chemical concepts * perform theoretical chemistry based calculation of exchange processes and kinetics, and link them to experimental observations * demonstrate the ability to calculate and analyze organic substances' fate in the environment based on concepts of fugacity * explain and describe the spectroscopic techniques covered in the course , and describe, perform and discuss their practical applications in the study of biological molecules and chemical processes in soil and biota * critically examine, analyze, and discuss data from calculations and computer simulations combined with data from spectroscopic measurements in a course relevant theoretical or experimental context * explain the choice of suitable spectroscopic method for a given problem in structural biology and chemistry * independently identify and formulate a question in the field and thereby carry out a literature project and its written and oral presentation * demonstrate the ability to discuss social and ethical aspects of scientific research
Required Knowledge
60 credits of courses within Chemistry are required, or the equivalent and English A/5.
Form of instruction
Teaching consists of lectures, group exercises, labs, demonstrations and project work. The labs and accompanying set of exercises as well as seminars on social and ethical issues is mandatory.
Examination modes
The projects are examined in oral and written form. The course ends with a written exam. Laboratory work is assessed by the grades Pass (G) or Fail (U). Participation in group work and oral presentations is mandatory and is also part of the examination. In the written test, and for the course in total, following grades are used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). To pass the course it is required that all mandatory parts are approved. Those who pass the tests cannot have a re-exam for a higher grade. A student who has failed two exam of the course or part of parts of it, is entitled to have another examiner appointed, unless there are special reasons to the contrary (HF Chapter 6. § 22). Requests for a new examiners have to be addressed to the head of the Department of Chemistry
Crediting always tested individually (see the University of rules and crediting-order).
Literature
The literature list is not available through the web.
Please contact the faculty.
