Interfacial Phenomena in Biosystems

Code:

L.BIO032

Acronym:

FIB

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Engineering Sciences

Instance: 2024/2025 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Bioengineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L.BIO	34	Syllabus	3	-	4,5	52	121,5

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

This course unit aims to make students develop/acquire knowledge in fundamental topics of chemistry and physics related to solid, liquid and gas interface, and it will be given a special emphasis to biological interface.
This course unit also aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge in techniques, which allow a characterization/study of interfaces.

Learning outcomes and competences

It is expected that students are able to apply the concepts of interfacial sciences to areas of biotechnology and nanotechnology.

Working method

Presencial

Program

Introduction; Liquid surfaces; Interface thermodynamics; Immersion and contact angles; Electrical double layer; Effects on charged interfaces; Superficial forces; Tensioactives, micelles, emulsions and foam ; Solid surfaces; Adsorption; Biological interfaces

Mandatory literature

Butt, Hans-Jurgen; Physics and chemistry of interfaces. ISBN: 3-527-40413-9

Complementary Bibliography

Hiemenz, Paul C.; Principles of colloid and surface chemistry. ISBN: 0-8247-9397-8

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical-practical component
Theoretical-practical classes (3 hours/week – 2 classes, 1.5 h each) are mainly based on the presentation of the fundamental theoretical concepts, so that students can understand the interface phenomena which are being studied. These classes also include resolution of simple and multi conceptual problems, related to the properties of equilibrium and surface dynamics and interfaces.
It will be provided to students scientific articles related to the applications referred in this course unit, that will be orally presented and discussed in the class.
Each student/group has to give a presentation on a theme suggested by the professor. These presentations aim to make students acquire knowledge in an integrated way, as well as to familiarise them with the applicability of interface phenomena in biotechnology.



Laboratory Component
In laboratory classes (1 hour/week) students have to carry out projects in accordance with the topics comprised in the program. Each project has various stages: first of all, students have to study the theory and experimental methodology involved in the project. Then, they have to prepare and implement the experimental technique, as well as to carry out a number of experiments. Finally, they have to critically analyse the project and write a report.
Each group, which is composed by 2-3 students, have to carry out five experiments, in accordance with the schedule set at the beginning of the semester.  The laboratory classes correspond to modules of 2 or 3 hours according to the nature of the practical work. In order to register the preparation and execution of experiments, it is mandatory the use of a laboratory diary.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Teste	50,00
Trabalho laboratorial	40,00
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	10,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	10,00
Estudo autónomo	44,50
Frequência das aulas	52,00
Trabalho laboratorial	15,00
Total:	121,50

Eligibility for exams

i) Attendance to classes, in accordance with the regulations of FEUP.
ii) ii) the effective realization of all experiences and delivery of their reports and oral presentation of a scientific article. The laboratory component of the classification must necessarily be equal to or higher than 10.

Calculation formula of final grade

Final Grade includes the following components:
1. Theoretical-practical component (60%) includes:
1.1 Presentation (10%)
1.2 Final Exam (50%)

2. Laboratory component (40%)

Final Grade, from 0 to 20, will be based on the following formula:
(FE x 0.50 + P x 0.10 + LC x 0.40) ≥ 9.5 out of 20

FE- Final Exam (FE ≥ 8)
P- Presentation
LC- Laboratory component (LC ≥10)

IMPORTANT: To complete this course unit, students have to reach a minimum grade of 10. Besides, they have to reach a minimum grade of 10 in the laboratory component and 8 in the final exam.

Examinations or Special Assignments

não se aplica

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Students, who did not complete this course unit but attended classes, will only be assessed on their theoretical-practical component at the recurso (resit)/ special season of exams. The assessment formula will be the same.

Classification improvement

A final exam.
The assessment formula will be the same.