KE535: Chemistry for biologists
Comment
Students who have passed FF503, FF504, FF507, KE501 or a closely related course cannot follow the course. The course is for biology students only.
Entry requirements
Academic preconditions
Course introduction
chemistry for studies in biology. This includes the ability to solve
chemical problems and familiarity with chemical nomenclature and terms.
It provides an elementary understanding of the chemical aspects, which
are part of e.g. Økologi (BB510), Mikrobiologi (BB509) og Zoofysiologi
(BB511).
In relation to the study program, the course focusses on:
- The
ability to solve chemical problems including pH, chemical equilibrium,
electrochemistry, kinetics and thermodynamics with emphasis on
application in biology: - Experimental analytical chemistry including data analysis and interpretation
- The chemical structure and functional groups in organic compounds
- Reactivity and physical properties of organic compounds
- Basic inorganic chemistry including properties
- Chemical nomenclature and terminology
Expected learning outcome
The course aims to provide the students with the necessary skills in the subjects below, which require the ability to:
- Explain and distinguish different types of chemical bonds
- Identify simple molecules and ions including their Lewis structure and geometry
- Balance chemical reactions including acid-base, redox and stoichiometry
- Apply Le Chatelier’s principle on chemical equilibria and perform calculations of e.g. pH, acid-base, solubility and gas equilibria
- Identify reactions of zero, first, and second order and understand activation energy
- Identify and use the concepts of enthalpy, entropy, heat capacity, Gibbs free energy, and solubility products in simple systems
- Calculate concentrations, electrochemical potential and equilibrium constants from the Nernst equation
- Interpret and construct structural formulae recognize a carbon skeleton and the functional groups of organic compounds
- Construct the systematic name of simple organic molecules and recognize common usage non-systematic names.
- Recognize functional groups in selected biomolecules and their function
- Name simple inorganic compounds and know the common name for selected compounds
- Use chemical structure to explain reactivity and physical properties
Content
Main topics:
- The relationship between atomic structure and the periodic table
- Chemical bonding and the geometry of molecules
- Examples of chemical elements and their properties with a view to biology
- Carbonhydrides, functional groups, stereochemistry and nomenclature
- Hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties
- Chemical equilibtrium including acid-base and solubility
- Thermodynamics including the first and second law of thermodynamics, energy, enthalpy, entropy, and Gibb’s free energy
- Electrochemistry with emphasis on speciation and redox-reactions
- Reaction kinetics
- Examples of functional groups ad their reactions in organic chemistry
- Selected biomolecular compounds including their structure, properties and function.
Literature
See Blackboard for syllabus lists and additional literature references.
Examination regulations
Exam element a)
Timing
Prerequisites
Type | Prerequisite name | Prerequisite course |
---|---|---|
Prerequisite not found |
Tests
Laboratory reports
EKA
Assessment
Grading
Identification
Language
Examination aids
To be announced during the course
ECTS value
Additional information
Exam element b)
Timing
Tests
Written assignment
EKA
Assessment
Grading
Identification
Language
Examination aids
To be announced during the course
ECTS value
Additional information
The student is required to draw the structure of both organic and inorganic molecules, as well as write chemical reactions and formula as well as perform calculations during the exam
The examination form for re-examination may be different from the exam form at the regular exam.
Prerequisites for participating in the exam element a)
Timing
Tests
Participation in the laboratory class
EKA
Assessment
Grading
Identification
Language
Examination aids
To be announced during the course
ECTS value
Additional information
The prerequisite examination is a prerequisite for participation in exam element a)
Indicative number of lessons
Teaching Method
The lectures will introduce the different aspects of the curriculum, which the students subsequently acquire the necessary skills in by solving problems and reading the course materials. The laboratory will provide knowledge in experimental chemistry including the ability to plan, perform and interpret experiments. These skill will be individually tested in the written assignments, E-test, laboratory reports, and written exam. The laboratory reports and assignment will familiarize the students with dissemination and interpretation of experimental data.
Study phase activities:
- Independent study of the text book
- Complete written assignments and tutorial problems
- E-tests
- Write laboratory reports including data analysis and interpretation.