Post graduate course: Molecular Imprinting (3 hp)

Objective: The purpose of this postgraduate course is to provide PhD students with basic
knowledge and hands‐on experience of molecular imprinting technique. Molecularly
imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic materials with tailor‐designed recognition
properties. Because of their high molecular selectivity and outstanding stability, MIPs are
finding broad applications in analytical separation, sensing, catalysis and for purification of
natural and synthetic products. This course is designed as one‐week intensive, composed of
theory and lab practice. The planned learning outcome is that the students will have sound
knowledge on the topic, and be able to design a hypothetical project related to their own
research problem, using the knowledge that they learned from this course.

Contents: This course will contain both theoretical part and lab practice, divided into
approximately 50:50 in portion. The Theoretical part will have the following contents: (1)
Introduction to molecular imprinting technology; (2) Synthesis of molecularly imprinted
polymers; (3) Analytical techniques for characterization of imprinted polymers; (4)
Applications of imprinted polymers. In the practical part, the students will perform the
synthesis and characterization of imprinted polymers.

Course structure: The theoretical part will contain both lecture and group discussions.
Before group discussion, the students will be provided with specific topics and key
references, and are encouraged to find new literature for in‐depth understanding. In the
practical part, students will be divided into small groups (normally 2‐3 in each group) to
increase each one’s participation. The lab practice will be concluded with a written report.
Examination: The students will write a short research plan for a hypothetical molecular
imprinting project that is related to their own research problems. The short plan will be
presented to other participants at the end of the course. This research plan and the lab
report will be used to assess the students’ learning outcome.

Expected previous knowledge: Participants to this course are expected to have learned
general chemistry. The language will be in English.

Course literature: (1) Molecularly Imprinted Materials: Science and Technology, Taylor &
Francis, 2004; (2) Molecular Imprinting, Springer, 2012; (3) Selected review articles and
original publications to be provided by the teacher.

Course responsible: Lei Ye, Send email

Number of students: 6

The frequency of the course: once per year, planned to start at the end of September