Introductory description

Knowledge of structure and function in biological systems underpinned by the chemical structures, reactions and interactions of the molecules involved. This module provides a background in chemistry for students wishing to study the Life Science or Psychology at Undergraduate level. The material is illustrated in case studies relevant to these students.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Student will cover:

Introduction: Chemical Basis of Living Systems

• Atoms, the mole and the Periodic table
• Electronegativity and Chemical Bonding
• Biomolecules: Electronic Structure and Shape

Biological Macromolecules

• Polymers, proteins and amino aids
• Making peptides
• Bonding and Interactions between Molecules
• Isomerism
• Kinetics, the rate of reactions (the rate constant, k and the order of reactions)
• Functional Groups and identification; to include:Esters, Alcohols, Carboxylic acids, Aldehydes and Ketones

Balance and disruption in biological systems

• Equilibrium, Ka and Kpa
• Buffers and the importance of pH in biological systems
• Acids and Base disorders
• Oxidation and reduction reactions

Neurochemistry

• Synaptic transmissions
• Excitatory and inhibitory amino acids
• An introduction to disorders of the Nervous system

Biochemical analysis

• The mole and understanding concentrations
• Mass Spectroscopy
• NMR and Infrared detection

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Student should be able to describe atomic structure, shape and molecular bonding
• Students should be able to explain of how chemicals and their properties can determine physiological processes and functioning of major organ systems
• Students should be able to calculate the order of a reaction and identify factors that influence the rate of biological reactions
• Students should be able to analyse acid-base phenomena and their effects in order to produce relevant conclusions
• Students should be able to identify different functional groups in biological macromolecules using Instrumental analysis

Indicative reading list

Chemistry for the life sciences (2009) Raul Sutton; Bernard Rockett; Peter Swindells
Psychology Express: Biological Psychology (2012) Emma Preece, Dominic Upton
Chemistry for the biosciences : the essential concepts (2014) Jonathan Crowe, Tony Bradshaw

Interdisciplinary

This module links ideas and concepts delivered in the Biology and Psychology modules taken by students. The final assessment will require students to draw on and apply learning from across these modules.

Subject specific skills

Students will develop a core understanding of key chemical concepts, with a focus on the application of these fundamental principles within the bio-sciences.
Students will develop a familiarity with the language and terminology of chemistry.
Students will be encouraged to think creatively and critically and identify trends and patterns.

Transferable skills

Students will develop their research, organisational, time management, team working, IT and oral communication skills.
Students will develop effective communication for different target audience through written, oral and visual means.
Students will learn to select and manage information drawn from books, journals, and the internet.
Students will learn to make value judgements about their own work and the work of peers.