| Biomineralization | |
| LECTURERS: | |
| SCOPE: | 3 Days The course provides an overview of the principles and mechanisms of biomineralization across a broad range of organisms, from invertebrates and plants to vertebrates and humans. It introduces the structural and functional diversity of biominerals, discusses the roles of organic templates and physicochemical processes in mineral formation, and examines the hierarchical organization of mineral structures from the nanoscale to the macroscale. Attention is given to both normal and pathological biomineralization, as well as to the methods used for their study. Finally, the course highlights the interdisciplinary applications of biomineralization research in geosciences, medicine and technology. |
| HELD AT: | BE |
| CATEGORY: | |
| ECTS Credits: | 2 |
| PREREQUISITES: | Basic knowledge in mineralogy and geochemistry |
| REQUISITES: | |
| FORMAT: | Lecture |
| FREQUENCY: | annually in spring semester |
| CONTENTS: | This course introduces the fundamental principles of Biomineralization, the process by which living organisms produce minerals. Topics will include: Diversity and function of biominerals in vertebrates and invertebrates (e.g., eggshells, otoconia, teeth, bone) Mineral nucleation and growth guided by extracellular matrix components Hierarchical structure and crystallography of biominerals at nano- to microscale Techniques for biomineral characterization, including electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and synchrotron-based methods Pathological biomineralization, including kidney stones and cardiovascular calcification, and their relationship with lowtemperature geochemical and biogeochemical processes Practical applications of biomineralization principles in geochemistry, materials science, and the development of bioinspired materials and technologies |
| ASSESSMENT: | Presentation Report Oral |
| REMARKS: | New course |
(prer): Courses with prerequisites.