Introduction to colloid and interface science & its applications. Basic concepts. Van der Waals interactions, the electric double layer, and DLVO theory. Further interaction mechanisms (steric, depletion).
Basic Principles in Supra- molecular Chemistry. Non- Covalent
Interactions and Host- Guest Complexes. Free energy landscape, polydispersity, cooperativity.
Methods to probe the energetics, structure and conformational dynamics of biomolecular systems - Introduction to cell membranes, model biomembranes, lipid phase transitions. Proteins and their stability, free energy landscape, folding kinetics, interactions. Methods to probe the thermodynamics, conformation, dynamics and interactions of biomolecules.
Conformation of polymer chains, chain statistics, polymer solutions and blends, thermodynamics, phase separation, mechanical properties.
Thermodynamics of interfaces and adsorption, surface tension, contact angle, wetting. Interaction between surfaces and stabilisation mechanisms (foams, emulsions).
Ideal and real mixtures and solutions. Molecules and macromolecules in solution. Free energy of solvation, chemical potentials, activity coefficients: experimental and theoretical approaches. A microscopic view from homogeneous to structured solutions: osmolytes, hydrotropes, surfactants. Concepts from Kirkwood-Buff theory. Solubilization in micro-structured solvents.
