Admission requirements
Core course in MSc Chemistry (Energy & Sustainability), elective course MSc Life Science and Technology.
While this course is a core module for Chemistry (Energy & Sustainability), Life Science and Technology students with interest in green biology are encouraged to join. Suitable for students with a BSc MST with a major in Chemistry/materials, BSc LST or equivalent. All other candidates should have a basic knowledge of photochemistry and spectroscopy.
Description
In photosynthesis, the Sun’s energy is captured and stored by a series of events that convert the pure energy of light into the biochemical energy needed to power life. This course describes the molecular processes in photosynthesis from light capture to carbon fixation, with a special focus on the early events. The first part will focus on the biophysical concepts and design principles of natural photosynthesis, with relevance for artificial photosynthesis. The second part will focus on regulation in oxygenic photosynthesis. In addition, the course will contain 1-2 sessions concentrated on scientific reading papers covering a specific theme. During these sessions, students will give an oral presentation of an assigned reading paper, followed by group discussion.
Course material contains chapters from the book “Molecular Mechanisms in Photosynthesis” (R.E. Blankenship, Wiley 2nd edition 2014) and distributed lecture slides. Students are expected to have a basic background knowledge in photochemistry and spectroscopy. The appendix of the course book also provides an elementary overview of common spectroscopy and techniques used in photosynthesis.
Course objectives
After this course, students will be able to
read and discuss scientific literature on selected photochemical/photophysical topics in photosynthesis
explain molecular mechanisms underlying photophysical/photochemical processes in photosynthesis
apply theory of excitation and electron transfer to calculate energy transfer, quantum yields, solar energy conversion efficiencies and losses in photosynthetic networks
explain current molecular models for photoprotection.
discuss current initiatives for improvement of biomass and biofuel production
Timetable
Schedule information can be found on the website of the programmes.
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, exercises and literature presentations
Assessment method
Written exam (70%), oral presentation/discussion (20%) and evaluation of exercises made during the course (10%).
Reading list
Molecular Mechanisms of Photosynthesis, 2nd Edition
Robert E. Blankenship
ISBN: 978-1-4051-8976-7
April 2014, Wiley-Blackwell
The book is available as e-book.
Slides presented during course lectures.
Reading papers and articles discussed during the course.
Registration
As a student, you are responsible for enrolling on time through MyStudyMap.
In this short video, you can see step-by-step how to enrol for courses in MyStudyMap.
Extensive information about the operation of MyStudyMap can be found here.
There are two enrolment periods per year:
Enrolment for the fall opens in July
Enrolment for the spring opens in December
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
Assignment deadlines are communicated via Brightspace.
According to OER article 4.8, students are entitled to view their marked examination for a period of 30 days following the publication of the results of a written examination. Students should contact the lecturer to make an appointment for such an inspection session.
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use 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.