Course - Biopolymers - TBT4135
Biopolymers
About
About the course
Course content
The chemical structure of biopolymers with emphasis on polysaccharides. Physical dimensions and chain rigidity. Conformations and conformation changes. Molecular weight distribution. Thermodynamic properties og biopolymers with emphasis on polyelectrolytes. Depolymerization: chemistry and kinetics. Theoretical basis and laboratory exercises connected to experimental techniques: Viscosity and intrinsic viscosity, osmosis, light scattering, chromatographic methods.
Learning outcome
After completion of this course, the students are expected to:
- Know the structure and properties of important polysaccharides in biotechnology, including the understanding of sequence parameters in alginates.
- Be able to, based on a given chemical structure, understand and predict certain physical properties of a biopolymer, and how these are influenced by external factors (pH, I, T).
- Know the principles behind experimental determination of molecular weight distribution (and its various averages).
- Determine the shape and extention in solution of a biopolymer, based on physical data.
- Use simple methods for depolymerization of polysaccharides: kinetics and reaction mechanisms.
Learning methods and activities
Lectures, theoretical exercises, laboratory work. The course will be given in English if international master students are taking the course.
Compulsory assignments
- Exercises
Further on evaluation
If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.
Specific conditions
Admission to a programme of study is required:
Biotechnology (MBIOT5)
Biotechnology (MSBIOTECH)
Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (MTKJ)
Chemistry (BKJ)
Chemistry (MSCHEM)
Nanotechnology (MTNANO)
Sustainable Chemical and Biochemical Engineering (MSCHEMBI)
Recommended previous knowledge
Basic knowledge in organic chemistry, physical chemistry and biochemistry.
Required programme of study, see specific conditions. Other students may apply to the department and be admitted depending on course capacity.
Course materials
The course material consists of a compendium and a series of pdf files (updated annually).
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| SIK4035 | 7.5 sp | |
| BT8135 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2011 |
Subject areas
- Biotechnology
- Technological subjects
Contact information
Course coordinator
Department with academic responsibility
Examination
Examination
Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025
School exam
The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.