Chemistry: Molecular Driving Forces and Chemical Bonding

The course provides you with a fundamental understanding of how (bio)molecules function and how they interact from a microscopic perspective. You will also gain insight into basic aspects of chemical bonding, molecular properties, and how these relate to thermodynamics, temperature, and interactions in solutions. You will be trained in how spectroscopy and models for intermolecular interactions can be used to understand the fundamental properties of biomolecules, such as proteins, DNA, and membranes. We cover concepts such as hydrophobic interactions, cooperative binding, depletion interactions, hydrogen bonds, and electrical double layers.

To handle large datasets - generated either from experiments, simulations, or database searches - you will be trained in basic programming and scripting skills. These skills will help you manage, analyse, and present complex data.

The course is offered both as part of a programme and as a standalone course.

The teaching consists of lectures, exercises, assignments, and laboratory work. Assignments and laboratory work, along with associated components, are mandatory. Assessment is conducted through a written exam at the end of the course and through laboratory work and associated mandatory components during the course.

Lectures

The lectures cover quantum chemistry and statistical thermodynamics, including a statistical interpretation of entropy and ensembles. The course explains how and why atoms, (bio)molecules, and surfaces affect each other, and we go through the fundamental principles and mechanisms behind these interactions. You will also learn basic programming/scripting to import, analyse, visualise, and present complex data. We cover the basics of rotational, vibrational, and electronic spectroscopies, both in absorption and emission modes, as well as Raman spectroscopy and circular dichroism spectroscopy.

Laboratory work and exercises

You will also participate in exercises and laboratory work that illustrate and exemplify the concepts discussed during the lectures. The laboratory work can be both experimental and computational. You will receive training in report writing and peer review, where you give and receive constructive feedback on others' reports.

Prerequisites

General eligibility, English proficiency corresponding to English 6/B from Swedish upper secondary school, and 90 ECTS credits in science courses including courses equivalent to: KEMA20 General Chemistry 15 credits, KEMA01 Organic Chemistry- Basic Course 7.5 credits, KEMA03 Biochemistry- Basic Course 7.5 credits, KEMB09 Physical Chemistry- Basic Course 15 credits, and MATA03 Mathematics for Scientists 1, 15 credits. Or General eligibility, English proficiency corresponding to English 6/B from Swedish upper secondary school, and courses equivalent to: 75 ECTS credits in physics including knowledge corresponding to FYSC11 Atomic and Molecular Physics 7.5 credits and FYSC13 Solid State Physics 7.5 credits, and 30 ECTS credits in mathematics. Students who have obtained the equivalent knowledge by other means may also be admitted to the course.

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: ECTS (HPAV): 100 %.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 46,250
First payment: SEK 46,250

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.