Entry requirements

120 credits including 20 credits in chemistry. In addition, 10 credits in biochemistry or Cell Biology, 15 credits. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

 On completion of the course, the student must be able to:

• explain nanobiotechnological principles and applications,
• describe the design and applications for the most common types of biosensors,
• compare different types of nanostructured materials and their use in nanobiotechnology,
• design microfluidic systems for biotechnological and bioanalytical applications,
• attach biomolecules to surfaces suitable for nanobiotechnological products or biosensors,
• critically examine and report on nanobiotechnological systems and biosensors described in the scientific literature,
• design a new type of nanobiotechnological method or biosensor for a given application.

Content

Overview of the nanobiotechnology field. Introduction to surface physics, nanostructured materials and their manufacture. Biomaterials and biomolecules as a basis for inorganic structures and inorganic replicas of biological materials. Biomolecules suitable for nanobiotechnological applications and methods for biofunctionalization of nanomaterials. Biofuel cells and enzyme reactors based on nanostructured materials. Development of miniaturized and microfluidic systems via micro- and nanofabrication methods. Applications of nanobiotechnology and nanostructured materials.

Biosensors and other nanobioanalytical methods. Biomolecules particularly suitable for biosensors. Detection principles and properties of different types of biosensors. Application areas for biosensors.

Development of new nanobiotechnological products and biosensors, exemplification of research and innovation at universities and companies.

During the course, training is also given in oral and written presentation.

Instruction

Lectures, lab practicals, seminars and project work with presentations. 

Assessment

Written exam at the end of the course (8 credits). Lab practicals and project with oral and written reports (7 credits).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.

Other directives

The course cannot be included in higher education qualification together with Biosensors 5 cr 1KB446/1KB650, or with Nanobiotechnology 1KB657.