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 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

• Atomic structure and the Periodic table
• Energy of the Atom: Ionization Energies, Shells, Vacancy, orbitals and bonding
• Biomolecules: Electronic Structure and Shape (VESPER)
• Electronegativity and Intermolecular bonding
• The mole, calculating concentration and expressing biochemical results
• Transition Metals: Complexes and ligands

Biomolecules

• Proteins, amino acids and making polymers
• Intermolecular bonding and solubility
• Carbon chemistry: functional groups and nomenclature
• Reactions and reaction mechanisms: including; aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, alcohols
• Energetics, Entropy and determining the reaction feasibility (ΔH, ΔS and ΔG)
• The Equilibrium constant, calculating K

Balance and disruption in biological systems

• pH regulation of the stomach, Bronsted acids and bases
• Strong and weak acids, Ka and Kpa calculations
• Buffers: definitions, calculations and the role of antacids
• Hydrogen carbonate and carbonate buffers

Acid base reactions: Drug production and detection

• Producing Aspirin: percentage yield and purity
• Drug regulation, production, chirality and Isomerism
• NMR and detecting impurities
• Mass spectrometry (e.g. steroids), Infrared spectroscopy and alcohol detection
• Redox reactions

Bioenergetics

• Electrochemical cells
• Reaction feasibility
• The chemistry of biological membranes

Learning outcomes

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

• Students should demonstrate an appreciation and mastery of the foundation of key organic reactions and their mechanisms
• Students should be able to use chemical concepts to predict the reactivity and properties of key elements and compounds found in biological systems
• Students should be competent in the manipulation and interpretation of numerical data and be able to identify factors that influence 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 deduce different functional groups in biological macromolecules using Instrumental analysis

Indicative reading list

Chemistry for the life sciences (2009) Raul Sutton; Bernard Rockett; Peter Swindells
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.