PCC-31303 Research Methods Soft Matter

Course

Credits 3.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Practical75
Course coordinator(s)dr. TE Kodger
Lecturer(s)dr. TE Kodger
ing. RG Fokkink
Examiner(s)dr. TE Kodger

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Soft Matter PCC-20806 and /or Advanced Soft Matter PCC-31806.

Contents:

In the practical course Research Methods Soft Matter some modern advanced techniques in the field of (bio) interfacial chemistry & soft matter science are introduced: dynamic light scattering (study of particle sizes & dynamics), static light scattering (study of microscopic structure), indentation (substrate moduli and adhesion energy), and confocal laser scanning microscopy with quantitative image analysis. The course is particularly meant for students Molecular Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Food Technology and Environmental Sciences, who work with e.g. proteins, bacteria, (bio)polymers, pesticides and surfactants in solution and/or in the presence of interfaces (as e.g. in bioreactors) during a master project. It represents a good introduction to a master project at the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Colloid Science. Often the techniques can also be used by students carrying out a master project in Biotechnology, Food Technology or Environmental Sciences.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to
1. explain and apply the basic principles of:
- optical microscopy, including confocal microscopy;
- image filtering & quantitative image analysis;
- static and dynamic light scattering;
- indentation and adhesion tests;

2. independently perform and judge:
- dynamic light scattering measurements and analyze correlation functions manually and using CONTIN analysis;
- static light-scattering experiments and extract quantitative data through fitting with theoretical models, to extract particles sizes, molecular weights, and sample microstructure;
- indentation instrumentation construction and experiments with analysis to extract material stiffness and adhesion energy;
- quantitative confocal microscopy experiments, and judge image quality in terms of dynamic range, contrast and noise levels, and to enhance image quality and extract quantitative data using image filtering methods.

3. develop an understanding of the inner workings of instrumentation.

Activities:

- study of theoretical principles;
- independently carry out the different experimental techniques;
- process and interpret experimental data and write short report.

Examination:

The final mark is based on:
- experimental performance and group contribution (50%, minimum mark 5.5);
- short written group laboratory reports on each research methodology (50%, minimum mark 5.5).
Interim marks remain valid for three years.

Literature:

Syllabus: Research Methods Soft Matter, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, latest version, by TE Kodger and RG Fokkink.
See also Blackboard.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Restricted Optional for: MMLMolecular Life SciencesMSc3AF