CHIM9262-1 : Biomimetic chemistry : when the Man is inspired by nature

Study Programmes 2015-2016

CHIM9262-1

Biomimetic chemistry : when the Man is inspired by nature

Duration :

15h Th

Number of credits :

Master in chemistry (120 ECTS)		2
Master in chemistry (120 ECTS)		2
Master in chemistry (120 ECTS)		2
Master in chemistry (120 ECTS)		2

Lecturer :

Loïc Quinton

Language(s) of instruction :

French language

Organisation and examination :

Teaching in the second semester

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Course contents :

Biomimetic chemistry is an emergent field composed by three main steps:

the observation of an interesting natural property.

the comprehension of its main physico-chemical mechanisms

the adaptation of this property to solve human questions

The course will develop the general concept of biomimetic chemistry by studying many examples found in the literature such as the spider silk which resistant properties allow the emergence of new biocompatible and biodegradable materials, the "Lotus effect" which allows the manufacture of self-cleaning surfaces and the toxins of venoms allowing the development of new drugs. Students will be invited to actively participate to the constitution of the lesson by, not only presenting a theme that will be confided, but also by questioning the students who will present the other thematics.

Learning outcomes of the course :

To demonstrate to the students that the knowledge acquired in chemistry (organic, physical, structural...) allow to explain natural phenomena and to derive them for human uses.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills :

Chemistry (3rd year)

Planned learning activities and teaching methods :

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :

Each pair of student will have to study a thematic and will present their work during 30-45 min. After each presentation, a discussion will be organized.