Coloidal and Interface Characterization

The main learning objectives of this course are:
- To know the basic experimental techniques for the physicochemical characterization of nanostructured systems.
- To obtain an integrated and multidisciplinary view of the area, in the context of other scientific areas.
- To obtain a general view of the experimental methods and techniques more widely used for studying nanostructured materials
- To know the possible applications of this scientific area.

- Determine the composition of nanomaterials.
- Determine the hydrodynamic size of colloids by dynamic light scattering.
- Determine the zeta potential by “Laser Doppler Anemometry”.
- Determine the electrophoretic mobility by gel electrophoresis.
- Determine the thermal stability of colloids by thermogravimetric analysis.
- Determine the quantum efficiency of luminescent nanoparticles.

Basic bibliography:
• P. Atkins, J. de Paula & J. Keeler: “Physical Chemistry”, 11th Edition; Oxford University Press, 2017
• I. N. Levine: “Physical Chemistry”, 6th Edition; McGraw-Hill, 2013
Previous editions are also valid.

Complimentary bibliography:
• F. MacRitchie: “Chemistry at Interfaces”; Academic Press, 1990.
• D. Myers: Surfaces: “Interfaces and Colloids: Principles and Applications”; VCH, 1999.
• D. Berti & G. Palazzo: “Colloidal Foundations of Nanoscience”; Elsevier, 2014.
• R.J. Hunter: “Foundations of Colloid Science”, 2nd Edition; Oxford University Press, 2001.
• G.T. Barnes & I.R. Gentle: “Interfacial Science: an Introduction”, 2nd Edition; Oxford University Press, 2011.
• John P. Sibilia: “A Guide to Materials Characterization and Chemical Analysis”. VCH Publishers, 1998.
• M.E. Brown: “Introduction to Thermal Analysis. Techniques and applications”; Chapman and Hall, 1998.

In addition, complementary information (research articles, webpages, texts) will be recommended in each part of the matter.

• Basic competences.
CB6: Possess and understand the knowledge that provides a basis or an opportunity for being creative and unique in the development and/or implementation of ideas, often in a research context.
• General competences.
CG1: Know how to use the knowledge acquired for practical problem solving in the field of research and innovation, in the multidisciplinary context of biological chemistry and molecular materials.
CG3: Be able to discuss and communicate ideas, in both oral and written form, to specialised and non-specialised audiences (congresses, conferences, etc.) in a clear and reasoned way.
CG5: Have the skills that allow students to develop an autonomous method for studying and learning.
CG9: Be capable of handling chemical substances safely and work in a chemical laboratory without risks.
• Transversal competences
CT3: Perform day-to-day research or professional activity in an independent and efficient manner.
CT4: Apply the concepts, principles, theories and models related to Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials to new or little-known environments within multidisciplinary contexts.
• Specific competences
CE4: Know and understand the chemical tools and analytical techniques used for biological chemistry and molecular materials.
CE5: Know how to analyze and use the data obtained autonomously in complex laboratory experiments by relating them to the suitable chemical, physical or biological techniques.
CE6: Know the physicochemical bases of biological processes.
CE7: Students should acquire knowledge on advanced techniques for the structural characterizationof macromolecules, supramolecules and colloids which are relevant in the field of biological chemistry and molecular materials.
CE8: Gain technical skill for carrying out the structural characterization of molecules, biomolecules, supramolecules and nanoparticles and interpreting the experimental data obtained.

Methodologies of teaching-learning
- Interactive practical classes encouraging student participation.
- Promoting the learner’s self-learning by proposing challenges and asking questions.
- Resolution of practical exercises (problems, test issues, interpretation and information processing, evaluation of scientific publications, etc.).
- Oral presentations of previously prepared topics, including discussion with colleagues and teachers.

These methodologies will be implemented in the course in different ways:
*The expositive and interactive teaching will be fundamentally face-to-face, although, in an exceptional and justified case, the telematics teaching (using Microsoft TEAMS) can be combined with the classroom teaching up to a maximum of 10%.
*The tutorials can be carried out partially in a telematic way (Virtual Campus or Microsoft TEAMS)
*Final tests will be in person.

General considerations:
- The evaluation process will not only serve to determine whether the learner has acquired the programmed competencies but also to review the teaching methodology.
- Written test on basic theoretical and practical contents of the subject.
- Continuous evaluation associated with active participation and autonomous learning.
The submission of materials for the continuous evaluation part may be required for the second chance examination.
In the case of fraudulent exercises or tests, the provisions of the Regulations on the assessment of students' academic performance and the review of grades shall apply.

SYSTEM OF EVALUATION; WEIGHTING
Final examination: 70 %
Oral exhibition: 10 %
Homework / activities: 20 %

The continuous evaluation will have a weight of 30% in the qualification of the subject and will be fundamentally telematic (Virtual Campus or Microsoft TEAMS). It will consist of deliveries in the Virtual Campus of problems and practical cases (20%) and in the oral presentation (works, reports, problems and practical cases) (10%).

The final examination will have a weight of 70 % and will cover all the contents of the subject.
In any case, to pass the course, it is mandatory to achieve a minimum mark of 5.0 (0-10 scale).

TRAINING ACTIVITY: HOURS; % PRESENTIAL
Lectures and conferences: 3; 100%
Seminars and classroom exercises: 4; 100%
Tutorials: 1; 100%
Practical classes: 14; 100%
Oral presentations: 2; 100%
Final exam: 3; 100%

Preparation and study of problems: 10h; 0%
Elaboration of individual work: 35h; 0%
Literature searching and so on: 3; 0%

Total hours of personal work = 75 h

The student must revise the theoretical concepts got in the different topics using the recommended bibliography. The degree of success in the resolution of the proposed exercises provides a measure of the preparation of the student to confront the final examination of the subject. Those students who find important difficulties at the moment of the proposed activities must contact in the hours of tutorship of the teacher, with the aim to analyse the problem and help to solve the above-mentioned difficulties.

The teaching will be mainly given in English.