Specialisation Physical Chemistry

The focus of Physical Chemistry is on the chemical and physical properties of molecules and molecular assemblies. For example their behaviour in (bio)chemical processes, their interactions in complex systems, and their phase and interfacial behaviour. Nature is often taken as an example for studying and synthesising new compounds with interesting chemical or physical properties, so that they can be used in applications ranging from LCDs and biosensors to improving properties of food.

Research example Sustainable Plastics

The Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry collaborate to improve the characteristics of plastic, making it tougher but still easy to process in a sustainable way. Recent work focuses on Dynamic Polymer Networks. These are formed with monomers that link and cross-link via strong, yet reversible bonds. The reversible links in these polymers combine the useful features of thermoplastics and thermosets. Dynamic Polymer Networks show interesting additional new properties, like phase separation and self-healing properties! This cutting-edge field of research not only requires organic synthesis of these new plastics but also an array of spectroscopic techniques to examine its characteristics.

Advanced Raman Confocal Microscopy images with Dynamic Polymer Networks in a phase-separated (A) and non-phase-separated state (B).

Research example De Novo Proteins

The Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter focuses on the physical-chemical properties of materials and how these could be manipulated to assemble complex new materials with desired properties. For example, de novo proteins for the encapsulation of nucleotide strands such as DNA were designed. Through electrostatic interactions these proteins bind in the major groove of the DNA (A). The formation of these protein-DNA fibres can be visualised using cryo-electron microscopy and particle picking (B). A promising application of these protein-DNA fibres lies in the field of immunology. Viral proteins (antigens) can be displayed on the protein-DNA fibre at high order and density and may therefore contribute to the production of novel, efficient vaccines (C).

The encapsulation of DNA by de novo proteins (A), visualised by cryo-EM particle picking (B), with a promising application in vaccine production (C).

Courses

For this specialisation, you need to choose at least two deepening courses, however you can always choose more if you want to. All details can be found in the study handbook, but some characteristic courses of this specialisation are shortly explained below:

Research Methods Soft Matter

In this research method course offered by the chairgroup of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter (PCC), you will get hands on experience with a range of advanced techniques in the field of (bio) interfacial chemistry and soft matter science. These include confocal microscopy, dynamic and static light scattering, indentation, and optical trapping. By not only performing and analysing experiments, but also constructing your instruments from their components, you get well prepared for individual work in the lab.

Advances in Magnetic Resonance

The development of molecular sciences for materials, food and health critically depends on comprehensive and non-invasive product characterisation. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is probably the most widely applied analytical method with applications in e.g. analytical chemistry, structural biology, physical characterisation of solid materials, imaging of tissues, organs and organisms, metabolomics, and transport processes in porous (bio)materials.

In this course a generalised form will be introduced to analyse and understand diverse classes of modern NMR and MRI experiments.

Structure and Reactivity

Structure and Reactivity is an advanced organic chemistry course, devoted to the structure and reactivity of organic compounds, guided by organic reactions and their mechanisms. New reactions and concepts are discussed, that also allow for a more detailed understanding and use of well-known reactions. Many types of reactions will be presented during lectures and discussed during tutorials, as well as the current research at the chair group of Organic Chemistry (ORC).

Thesis Research Groups

The MSc thesis forms the core of your specialisation, reflected in the value of 36 ECTS. Your thesis will be part of the research of one of the chair groups of Wageningen University. The research groups that offer thesis projects within this specialisation are listed below, and you can get more details on their respective websites.

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