2020-2021 / CHIM9262-1

Biomimetic chemistry : when the Man is inspired by nature

Duration

25h Th

Number of credits

 Master in chemistry (120 ECTS)3 crédits  
 Master in chemistry (60 ECTS)3 crédits  

Lecturer

Loïc Quinton

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit 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 learning unit

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, hybrid 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.

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

Given the context, this optional course will be offered in the form of a written assignment to be carried out. Students will have access to the introductory slides of the subject and will choose a theme among those proposed in this course.
Their work will consist of preparing a small written assignment presenting the selected biomimicry topic. The evaluation of this work will constitute the examination of this course.

Recommended or required readings

Copy of the slides + bibliography

Assessment methods and criteria

Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.

Presentation and discussion of recent articles in front of the other students.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Contacts

Dr. Loic Quinton Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse Institut de Chimie, Bat B6c - Ground Floor- R66 Tel. +32-4 366 3382 Fax. +32-4 366 3679 e-m@il: loic.quinton@uliege.be