Enquiry for Science Major/Minor/Programme Requirements
   <<< This course is not offered in 2025-2026. Course details are subject to change. >>>
CHEM4143 Interfacial science and technology (6 credits) Academic Year 2025
Offering Department Chemistry Quota 50
Course Co-ordinator Prof G K Y Chan, Chemistry < hrsccky@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Prof G K Y Chan,Chemistry)
(Visiting Professor,Chemistry)
Course Objectives To understand the science and technology of interfacial phenomena and processes often appeared in high value added products and modern technologies.
Course Contents & Topics Physics and Chemistry of Interfaces: coatings and surfactants, colloids and interfaces, wetting, microemulsion, thin films, nanomaterials, porous materials.
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 understand interfacial phenomena and their origin from molecular details
CLO 2 solve problems in interfacial science and technology by applying knowledge of general chemistry, thermodynamics, and kinetics
CLO 3 be familiarized with technologies that require application of interfacial science, including nanomaterials, nanotechnology, detergency, composite polymers, and porosimetry
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in CHEM3143 or CHEM3541 or CHEM3542
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2U000C00 Course not offered under any Major/Minor/Professional core
2023 Major in Chemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Minor in Chemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Chemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Minor in Chemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Chemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Minor in Chemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2023 Major in Chemistry < PLO 1,2,3,5,6 >
2023 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,5,6 >
2022 Major in Chemistry < PLO 1,2,3,5,6 >
2022 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,5,6 >
2021 Major in Chemistry < PLO 1,2,3,5,6 >
2021 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,5,6 >
Offer in 2025 - 2026 N        Examination
Offer in 2026 - 2027 N
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Demonstrate thorough knowledge of interfacial science and technology, and mastery of skills required for attaining all of the course learning outcomes. Show strong analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, with evidence of original thought, and ability to apply knowledge to solve problems in a wide range of complex, familiar and unfamiliar situations. Critical use of data and sourcing of references. Apply highly effective organizational and presentational skills.
B Demonstrate substantial knowledge of interfacial science and technology and command of skills required for attaining at least most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to solve problems in familiar and some unfamiliar situations. Correct use of data and sourcing of references. Apply effective organizational and presentational skills.
C Demonstrate general but incomplete knowledge of interfacial science and technology and command of skills required for attaining most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge solve problems to most familiar situations. Mostly correct but some erroneous use of data and references. Apply moderately effective organizational and presentational skills.
D Demonstrate partial but limited knowledge of interfacial science and technology and command of skills required for attaining some of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some coherent and logical thinking, but with limited analytical and critical abilities. Show limited ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Limited ability to use data and source references. Apply limited or barely effective organizational and presentational skills.
Fail Demonstrate little or no evidence of knowledge of interfacial science and technology, and command of skills required for attaining the course learning outcomes. Lack of analytical and critical abilities, logical and coherent thinking. Show very little or no ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Misuse of data and references. Organization and presentational skills are minimally effective or ineffective.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Lecture-based course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Lectures 36.0
Tutorials or discussion 12.0
Reading / Self study 100.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Assignments 25.0 1,2,3
Examination 50.0 1,2,3
Test 25.0 1,2,3
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 Barnes and Gentle: Interfacial Science
Course Website NIL
Additional Course Information This course is offered every other year.


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