On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has broad knowledge about the preparation, structure, chemical and physical properties and use of solid state compounds and nanomaterials, including porous materials.
• has knowledge about how selected materials and nanomaterials are prepared in practice and how these are characterized.

Skills

The student

• is able to describe and compare different types and properties of solid materials and nanomaterials.
• is able to explain the synthesis of such compounds.
• is able to relate the structure of a compound to its properties.
• is able to discuss the benefit and use of bulk- and nanomaterials.
• is able to identify and describe methods for characterization of different types of materials.
• is able to perform simple experimental procedures in the laboratory.
• is able to interpret observations and results from measurements obtained as part of these experiments.

General competence

The student

• can convey the central content of the subject both in written and verbal form and by use of expressions characteristic for the subject (e.g. chemical equations and structure drawings).
• can work together in groups and perform practical tasks in a laboratory.
• can interpret chemical safety information and safely handle chemicals.
• can write reports.
• can identify and assimilate relevant knowledge from teaching material through lectures, group work and on their own.

Attendance of mandatory lectures, laboratory exercises, and approved laboratory journals.

The mandatory activities are valid two (2) consecutive semesters after the approval.

1) Laboratory journal (accounts for 30 % of the final grade)

The journal after each laboratory exercise is assessed on the basis of passed/failed. If the journal is not approved, it can be revised and submitted again for new assessment. The laboratory part of NANO244 is assessed in the entirety of the laboratory journals and the laboratory skills in the practical execution of the exercises. Both elements are included in the assessment of the laboratory course based on the grading scale A-F.

2) Exam (accounts for 70 % of the final grade)

The exam will be either in written (4 hrs) or oral form depending on the number of students enrolled in the course.

Supplementary exam regulations

1. The grade for approved laboratory journals is valid for the two consecutive semesters after the first approval semester.

2. In semester with regular teaching: Students with approved laboratory course from previously semesters can take the final exam that will be a part of the portfolio assessment along with the grade for the journals. The final exam accounts for 70% of the final grade.

3. In semesters without regular teaching:

a) Students with approved laboratory course from previous semesters have only the opportunity to take the final exam. The grade from the final exam will be a part of the portfolio assessment along with the grade for the previously approved journals. The final exam accounts for 70% of the final grade. It might be a written exam regardless of the number of students.

b) Students without approved laboratory journal do not have the opportunity to take the exam.

Assesment of laboratory skills

- Being prepared for the practical exercise through knowledge of the necessary theoretical background and having performed tasks which were asked for in advance as a pre-requisite for implementation of the exercise (e.g. calculation of substance amounts). 

- Demonstrating good understanding of the experimental procedure in practice and theory.

- Implementing the experimental procedure in a responsible fashion, e.g. as exemplified by conforming to safety standards for laboratory work. 

- Obtaining the anticipated experimental result.