  Using the Gaussian Ansatz for the monomer-monomer correlation functions we
derive a set of the self-consistent equations for determination of the
conformational state in the bead-and-spring copolymer model. The latter is
based on the Edwards type effective free energy functional with arbitrary
two-body interaction matrix. The rate of conformational changes in kinetics may
be expressed via the instantaneous gradients of the variational free energy
functional in the space of the averaged dynamical variables. We study the
equilibrium and kinetics for some periodic and random aperiodic amphiphilic
sequences in infinitely diluted solution. Typical equilibrium phase diagrams
are elucidated and the conformational structure of different states is
discussed. The kinetics of compaction of an amphiphilic copolymer to the
globular state proceeds through formation of locally frustrated non-equilibrium
structures. This leads to a rather complicated multistep kinetic process. We
observe that even a small modification in the primary sequence of a copolymer
may significantly change its kinetic folding properties.
