Aerosol Technology
Aerosolteknologi

TFRG11, 7.5 credits, G2 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2026/27
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED C/D
Date of Decision: 2026-02-12

General Information

Main field: Nanoscience Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirements
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The aim of the course is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of aerosols, systems in which particles are suspended in a gas. The course provides an overview of the physics and chemistry of airborne particles, the measurement techniques used to characterize them, and their sources and effects on the environment and human health. Students will learn to discuss these topics, as well as mitigation technologies and technical applications of aerosols.

The course content has clear and direct impacts on efforts to reach the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

SDG 13: Climate Action

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• Explain fundamental concepts of aerosol science and explain the basic generation, dispersion, transformation, and deposition mechanisms of aerosol particles.
• State measurement techniques used in aerosol science and understand their operational principles and limitations.
• State the effects that aerosol particles have our health and environment.
• Describe processes and technologies related to airborne disease transmission, air pollution mitigation, and explain aerosol applications in drug delivery and nanotechnology.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to perform calculations of central processes and concepts such as aerosol transport, deposition and statistical descriptions of size distributions.
• Be able to carry out and interpret measurements with aerosol instruments, for example particle size measurements.
• Be able to discuss examples from theoretical and applied aerosol science, orally and in written form.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to motivate suitable aerosol techniques for investigating research questions within the frame of the course.
• Give constructive feedback on the output of fellow students.
• Be able to evaluate aerosol measurement results and interpret them within relevant scientific or environmental contexts.

Contents

The course covers aerosol physics and chemistry, lung deposition, particle size distributions, and characterization techniques. It examines aerosol properties and pollution in indoor, occupational, and ambient environments and provides an overview of particle effects on human health, the environment, and airborne disease transmission. Mitigation technologies (including filtration) and applications in nanotechnology and drug delivery are also addressed. The course includes compulsory laboratories and calculation exercises to provide practical experience with measurement instruments and data analysis. Lectures are given by researchers with diverse expertise to ensure content is current. Throughout the course, students will collect source material to perform independent, critical interpretations.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment:

The course grade is based on an individual oral examination (75%) and a group project, which includes a written report and oral presentation (25%). Additionally, students must complete group laboratory and calculation exercises with written reports, and attend all compulsory lectures and seminars. To pass the course, the student must receive a passing grade on each assessment component.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0123. Name: Aerosol Technology.
Credits: 7.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). The module includes:

Admission

Admission requirements:

• Mathematics 4/Mathematics E, or Mathematics Further level 2

Reading list

• Course literature is available on the internet.
• Hinds, William C: Aerosol technology properties, behavior, and measurement of airborne particles / William C. Hinds [Elektronisk resurs]. 1999, ISBN: 9781118591970.

Contact

Course coordinator: Vilhelm Malmborg, vilhelm.malmborg@design.lth.se
Examinator: Joakim Pagels, joakim.pagels@design.lth.se
Course homepage: https://www.design.lth.se/english/education/freestanding-courses/aerosol-technology/

Further information