Basic Chemistry for Life Sciences
COURSE SPECIFICATION
| Course Title: | Basic Chemistry for Life Sciences | Code: | CHEM0571 |
| Co-ordinator: | Professor Steve Leharne | Level: | 4 |
| School: | School of Science | Credits: | 15 |
| Department: | Pharmaceutical, Chemistry & Environmental Sciences | ||
Aims
| To provide students with the basic chemical concepts essential for the life sciences. To introduce students to the principles of chemical bonding and intermolecular interactions. To provide students with a basic knowledge of organic chemistry, chemical reactions and equilibria, visible spectroscopy and chromatography. |
Learning Outcomes
| On successful completion of this course, participants will be able to: 1. Distinguish between ionic and covalent compounds and describe the shapes of simple covalent molecules; 2. Identify functional groups of organic molecules and recognise the occurrence of isomerism; 3. Classify organic reaction types; 4. Suggest separative methods for simple mixtures; 5. Predict changes in reactions at equilibrium; 6. Explain the uses of ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy. Skills Learning Outcomes: Show time management skills by working to deadlines; Use the library and internet resources effectively and develop independent study skills; Use, present and interpret numerical data; Demonstrate effective communication, both written and verbal. |
Indicative Content
| Quantitative Chemistry Stoichiometry, moles, RMM. Concentration of solutions. Dilutions. Relation to quantitative analyses. Chemical Bonding Atomic structure, Ionic bonding, Electronegativity, Covalent bonding and bonds, Polarity, Non bonding electrons, Shapes of simple molecules. Intermolecular Forces Dipoles, hydrogen bonding and hydrophobicity. Interactions between molecules. Chemical Reactions Balancing equations. Reversible reactions and equilibrium. Organic Chemistry Carbon skeletons, functional groups, isomerism. Introduction to organic reactions. Spectroscopy and Separation Electromagnetic spectrum, ultra-violet/visible spectroscopy. Introduction to chromatography. |
Teaching & Learning Activity
| The course will be taught largely through lectures and tutorials (2:1). The underlying principles will be explained in the lectures, while the tutorials will establish the understanding of these principles. Associated practical work will occur in Practical and Professional Skills. |
Assessment
| Short Tests - 20% 8 Equally weighted computer worksheets - 40% Exam/Phase Test - 40% 2 hours. Pass mark - 40% |
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