Material- and nanochemistry

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The course aims to introduce the students to solid state chemistry and nanochemistry. The course will introduce the student to synthesis, identification and characterization, properties, functionalization and use of solid materials and nanomaterials such as nanoparticles and nano-porous materials. Substantial knowledge about bulk materials will help to develop and understand the unique properties of related nanomaterials. Size-dependent changes in chemical and physical properties of solid materials are the inspiration for developing nano-structured materials with functional properties for use, among many others, as adsorbents, catalysts and quantum confined materials. The relevance of such nanostructured materials for advanced materials science, catalysis, medicine and adsorption/separation processes is presented. The course includes practical laboratory exercises to introduce the student to synthesis and characterisation of different types of nanomaterials.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

 

Knowledge

The student

  • has broad knowledge about the preparation, structure, chemical and physical properties and use of solid state compounds and nanomaterials, including porous materials.
  • has knowledge about how selected materials and nanomaterials are prepared in practice and how these are characterized.

 

Skills

The student

  • is able to describe and compare different types and properties of solid materials and nanomaterials.
  • is able to explain the synthesis of such compounds.
  • is able to relate the structure of a compound to its properties.
  • is able to discuss the benefit and use of bulk- and nanomaterials.
  • is able to identify and describe methods for characterization of different types of materials.
  • is able to perform simple experimental procedures in the laboratory.
  • is able to interpret observations and results from measurements obtained as part of these experiments.

 

General competence

The student

  • can convey the central content of the subject both in written and verbal form and by use of expressions characteristic for the subject (e.g. chemical equations and structure drawings).
  • can work together in groups and perform practical tasks in a laboratory.
  • can interpret chemical safety information and safely handle chemicals.
  • can write reports.
  • can identify and assimilate relevant knowledge from teaching material through lectures, group work and on their own.

ECTS Credits

10 ECTS

Level of Study

Bachelor

Semester of Instruction

Autumn. The course has limited capasity and all students must apply for registration to the course within predescribed deadlines.

Place of Instruction

Bergen.
Required Previous Knowledge
Recommended Previous Knowledge
KJEM120, can be read in parallel. 
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

KJEM244: 7 credits, NANO200: 3 credits.

If the student has already taken NANO200, it is possible to get a customized laboratory course for NANO244.

Access to the Course
To be registered to the course, it is mandatory with a valid study right at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, and also to fulfill the academic prerequisites.
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching lectures, 2 - 4 hours per week and laboratory course in agreement with the person with course responsibility. 
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Attendance of mandatory lectures, laboratory exercises, and approved laboratory journals.

The mandatory activities are valid two (2) consecutive semesters after the approval.

Forms of Assessment

1) Laboratory journal (accounts for 30 % of the final grade)

The journal after each laboratory exercise is assessed on the basis of passed/failed. If the journal is not approved, it can be revised and submitted again for new assessment. The laboratory part of NANO244 is assessed in the entirety of the laboratory journals and the laboratory skills in the practical execution of the exercises. Both elements are included in the assessment of the laboratory course based on the grading scale A-F.

 

2) Oral examination (accounts for 70 % of the final grade)

 

Supplementary exam regulations

1. The grade for approved laboratory journals is valid for the two consecutive semesters after the first approval semester.

2. In semester with regular teaching: Students with approved laboratory course from previously semesters can take the final exam that will be a part of the portfolio assessment along with the grade for the journals. The final exam accounts for 70% of the final grade.

3. In semesters without regular teaching:

a) Students with approved laboratory course from previous semesters have only the opportunity to take the final exam. The grade from the final exam will be a part of the portfolio assessment along with the grade for the previously approved journals. The final exam accounts for 70% of the final grade. It might be a written exam regardless of the number of students.

b) Students without approved laboratory journal do not have the opportunity to take the exam.

 

Assesment of laboratory skills

- Being prepared for the practical exercise through knowledge of the necessary theoretical background and having performed tasks which were asked for in advance as a pre-requisite for implementation of the exercise (e.g. calculation of substance amounts). 

- Demonstrating good understanding of the experimental procedure in practice and theory.

- Implementing the experimental procedure in a responsible fashion, e.g. as exemplified by conforming to safety standards for laboratory work. 

- Obtaining the anticipated experimental result.

Grading Scale
The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.
Assessment Semester
Regular exam every semester.
Reading List
The reading list will be available within June 1st for the autumn semester and December 1st for the spring semester.
Examination Support Material
None
Programme Committee
The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study programme and courses.
Course Administrator
The Department of Chemistry at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences har the responsiblity for the course.