Module: Chemical Interrogation of the NanoBioworld

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Chemical Interrogation of the NanoBioworld
Module Code	CHM1036 (ITS: CS404)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Chemical Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

Devices that utilise nano(bio)materials can improve health, reduce energy costs, create ultra-fast electronics. This module looks at how and why biology can be used to provide or inspire the design of new, functional materials; how biomaterials can be repurposed to provide solutions in a range of applications and understand how (bio)materials can be structured at the nanoscale using biological principles and how their structure can be interrogated using optical and electrochemical methods.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1. Understand the fundamental principles of nanobiomaterials, their properties and applications.
2. 2. Develop expertise in the synthesis and characterization of nanobiomaterials: Learn about different synthesis techniques and characterization methods of nanobiomaterials, including spectroscopy, microscopy, electrochemistry and other analytical techniques.
3. 3. Applications of nanobiomaterials in medicine: Understanding the use of nanobiomaterials in various medical applications, such as drug or vaccine delivery, tissue engineering, and medical imaging.
4. 4. Innovation and entrepreneurship: Understand how practical applications of nanobiomaterials are developed.
5. 5. Learn how interdisciplinary teams can address complex concepts and ideas to develop state-of-the-art devices.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent Study	101	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10265	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	20%	Examination Weight	80%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Robert Forster	Module Teacher	Tia Keyes

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Participation	n/a	20%	n/a
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	100%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Supramolecular and Interfacial Chemistry
Supramolecular Assembly, Interfacial Supramolecular Assembly, Top Down Bottom up approaches to Nanotechnology. Surface coverage. Polymer characteristics and formation of polymer films. Self-Assembly, Langmuir Blodgett Methods.

Photo and Electroactive Interfacial Films
Photochemical and Electrochemical Addressability. Dynamics, mechanisms and energetics of energy, electron and ion transfer within interfacial coatings and supramolecular assemblies, plasmonics.

Analytical Methods Applied to Interfacial Assemblies
Electrochemical Methods, Spectroscopic Methods; HREELS, RAIRS, Raman spectroscopy. Surface topological/Imaging methods; STM, AFM, SEM and NSOM.

Applications of Interfacial Films
Surface Wetting, molecular Switching, Catalytic surfaces using nanostructured interfaces, electroanalytical (bio)sensor development, photochemical switching, solar energy conversion, batteries and fuel cells.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Keyes, Forster & Vos: 0, Interfacial Supramolecular Assemblies, Robert J. Forster, Tia E. Keyes and Johannes G. VosSupramolecular Chemistry, Steed and AtwoodPrinciples of Physical Chemistry, Kuhn and Forsterling Supramolecula,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None