The course is on the advanced level and consists of lectures, laboratory demonstrations, and a project assignment that includes literature review, biomimetic composite material design, and a seminar. The entire project assignment is presented in a seminar at the end of the course.
Assignments Between Lectures
Before each meeting there is literature to read and a written assignment to do. Directions for reading and the assignments are in the schedule. Write about one to two A4 pages in a simple format, perhaps a bullet list. Upload it to course website on Bilda.
The purpose of the assignments (literature and written assignments) is to:
- Generate appropriate learning activity for you
- Prepare you for the final project assignment
- Increase the quality of learning using remote online lectures
As you understand, you must set aside time for reading and working between the meetings.
Laboratory Demonstrations (Optional)
We will provide the opportunity for lab demonstrations based on the demand and interest from students. The choices of lab demonstrations include:
1. The production of microfibrillated cellulose and preparation of cellulose nanopapers.
2. The preparation of foams and aerogels from microfibrillated cellulose.
3. Bacterial cellulose cultivation.
The Project Assignment
The main goal with the project assignment is that the students will use the knowledge from this and previous courses and, according to their own interest, design a nanostructured composite material using nanoscale building blocks from cellulose, or chitin, or other biomaterials. They will prepare a written report providing a review of the state of the art and illustrating their material design, synthesis and characterization plan. They will also prepare a PowerPoint presentation with voice and upload it to course website on Bilda. The detail instruction for the project assignment is in the schedule.