Admission Requirements
This course is available only for students in the minor Chemistry and Biotechnology for Sustainability.
Description
In this course, you will learn about photochemical processes in which solar energy is converted into electricity, fuel or biomass. We will first discuss the quality of sunlight and compare theoretical maximum efficiencies for different solar energy-conversion processes. The following lectures will teach the principles of natural photosynthesis and of photovoltaics, and of electron transfer and photocatalysis in man-made artificial or engineered photosynthetic systems. We will discuss different concepts of artificial photosynthetic systems and integration into a solar fuel device. Furthermore, we will discuss solar end products that may be obtained and the contribution and future potential of “photon power” for sustainability, food and energy security.
Course Objectives
At the end of the course students:
can explain concepts of quantum efficiency and the causes of energy losses in photosynthesis and photovoltaics
can describe the principles of photovoltaics and of photo-induced electron transfer and photo-catalysis in natural photosynthesis and in manmade systems
can critically reflect on the costs and benefits of photovoltaics, solar and biofuels for renewable energy
Timetable
In MyTimetable, you can find all course and programme schedules, allowing you to create your personal timetable. Activities for which you have enrolled via MyStudyMap will automatically appear in your timetable.
Additionally, you can easily link MyTimetable to a calendar app on your phone, and schedule changes will be automatically updated in your calendar. You can also choose to receive email notifications about schedule changes. You can enable notifications in Settings after logging in.
Questions? Watch the video, read the instructions, or contact the ISSC helpdesk.
Note: Joint Degree students from Leiden/Delft need to combine information from both the Leiden and Delft MyTimetables to see a complete schedule. This video explains how to do it.
Mode of instruction
Lectures and seminars
Assessment Method
50% of the grade based on weekly home assignments
50% of the grade based on written exam (minimal 6.0 required)
Reading List
Fundamentals of Materials for Energy and Environmental Sustainability,
David S. Ginley & David Cahen, Cambridge University Press, 2012.
available as e-book via Leiden University Library (weblink on Brightspace)
Literature discussed during lectures and student presentations.
Registration
As a student, you are responsible for enrolling on time through MyStudyMap.
Minor students are enrolled for courses and exams by the adminsitration. However, they need to enrolls themselves for retakes.
Extensive information about the operation of MyStudyMap can be found here.
See this page for more information about deadlines and enrolling for courses and exams.
Note:
It is mandatory to enrol for all activities of a course that you are going to follow.
Your enrolment is only complete when you submit your course planning in the ‘Ready for enrolment’ tab by clicking ‘Send’.
Not being enrolled for an exam/resit means that you are not allowed to participate in the exam/resit.
Contact
Remarks
Software
The Faculty of Science uses the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.