The module is structured to set a conceptual framework for undergraduate students who meet biological surfaces and interfaces and their translational applications for the first time. Far from being a complete survey, it aims to give them the background necessary to find their way and face further studies in the field.
The module is intended as an introduction to biological surface science and related applications, which deals with ‘‘pure’’ biological surface systems as well as ‘‘hybrid’’ biological–inorganic interfaces, on the typical length scales of molecules, membranes, and cells.
1. Physics and chemistry of surfaces and interfaces (of systems with large interphases).
2. Molecular biology by the numbers.
3. Wettability and adsorption.
4. Surface recognition and transformations of biomolecules.
5. Biosensors.
6. Soft surfaces.
7. Optical and electron microscopy.
8. Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and optical tweezers.
9. (discretionary) Bioadhesion, biofilms and organoids-on-a-chip.
There will not be a reference texts. The course materials will be prepared by the instructors and made available on line.
Front class lectures.
Final exam in written form (multiple choice test).