BIP-32306 Biophotonics and Photosynthesis

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch and/or english

Assumed knowledge on:

BIP-31306 Spectroscopy

Continuation courses:

thesis

Contents:

This course will on the hand present and discuss advanced experimental methods that make use of light to study biological processes and on the other hand present and explain the physical aspects of light usage in biology. Strong emphasis will be put on the study of the molecular, (bio)physical aspects of photosynthesis. Examples of experimental techniques that will be discussed are femtosecond transient spectroscopy, (sub)picosecond fluorescence (micro)spectroscopy, 2-dimensional light spectroscopy, linear- and circular dichroism, Stark spectroscopy, single-molecule spectroscopy. Important aspects of photosynthesis that will be discussed in detail are excitation energy transfer, electron and proton transfer and exciton theory and concepts will be illustrated for a variety of organisms. It will be discussed how natural and artificial photosynthesis may be used as a future energy source.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of this course students are expected to be able to:
- demonstrate that they have gained knowledge and insight in the aspects of biophotonics and photosynthesis as described under contents;
- be able to summarize, present and discuss state-of-the-art literature in the field. In addition, students are expected to have gained extra experience in performing advanced spectroscopic experiments in photosynthesis, and reporting their results orally and in writing.

Activities:

- lectures;
- individual project/essay. Each participant delivers a short report and gives an oral presentation;
- problem solving and doing exercises;
- laboratory experiments in small groups.

Examination:

The evaluation will be carried out on the basis of problem assignments, active participation in the laboratory experiments, an oral presentation and a final essay. The bottom mark for each part is a 5.
Problem assignments - 25%
Laboratory experiments and reports - 25%
Oral presentation - 25%
Essay - 25%.

Literature:

A syllabus will be available at the beginning of the course.