
BSc Neuroscience with Industrial/Professional Experience
Year of entry: 2022
- View tabs
- View full page
Course unit details:
Chemistry for Bioscientists 1
Unit code | CHEM10021 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 10 |
Unit level | Level 1 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
Offered by | Department of Chemistry |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
This course unit detail provides the framework for delivery in 21/22 and may be subject to change due to any additional Covid-19 impact. Please see Blackboard / course unit related emails for any further updates.
CHEM10021 provides a description of: atomic structure and molecular structure using various models for chemical bonding; the structure and properties of aromatic and heteroaromatic molecules; the phenomena of electron delocalisation (resonance); to explain aspects of conformation, isomerism and chirality within molecules; to provide an introduction to the thermodynamics of solutions; to cover key concepts in chemical reaction kinetics and redox processes.
Pre/co-requisites
Students taking this unit should have A-Level Chemistry, or an A-grade in Chemistry at AS level as a minimum.
Aims
CHEM10021 aims to outline the basic principles of Chemistry that will be relevant to an understanding of key biological structures and processes.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students should be able to:
Describe and explain:
- the nature of matter and the formation of chemical bonds
- how the nature of molecular and hybrid orbitals in molecules influence the shape and chemical properties of the molecules
- the significance of the various types of isomerism possible within molecular structures
Describe:
- the different models for chemical bonding
- aromaticity and the properties of aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds
- and use key kinetic concepts such as reaction rates, rate laws, rate constants and activation energy
Explain:
- the significance of electron delocalisation (resonance) on the chemical properties of simple molecules and apply the laws of thermodynamics
- the significance of oxidation and reduction processes
Develop:
- communicate complex information effectively and concisely using the appropriate chemical and biochemical terminology, and chemical structure drawings
- the ability to use ‘curly’ arrows to indicate the delocalisation of electrons within molecules and generate different resonance forms
- apply the knowledge gained to deduce the likely electronic properties of a molecule
Transferable skills and personal qualities
Communication skills allowing complex information to be communicated using Chemical and Biochemical terminology and chemical structure drawings.
Problem-solving skills that enable electronic and physical properties of molecules to be deduced using Chemistry and Mathematics.
Technical skills allowing biological molecular structures and processes to be understand and discussed using Chemistry.
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
---|---|
Written exam | 100% |
Feedback methods
Feedback is provided in the problem sessions, during which there is the opportunity to discuss with tutors the answers you have prepared to problems set the previous week.
Feedback is also provided for online quizzes that will be made available as the unit progresses.
Recommended reading
Recommended course books
P. Y. Bruice, Organic Chemistry, 6th (or 7th) edition, Prentice-Hall, 2011 (2014 for 7th edn.).
P. W. Atkins, J. De Paula, Physical Chemistry for the Life Sciences, 2nd edition, Oxford University Press, 2011
Other recommended reading
P. W. Atkins, J. De Paula, Elements of Physical Chemistry, 6th edition, Oxford University Press, 2012.
F. A. Carey, Organic Chemistry, 4th edition, McGraw-Hill, 2000.
M. J. Winter, Chemical Bonding (Oxford Chemistry Primer, no. 15), Oxford University Press, 1994.
W.G. Richards, P.R. Scott, Energy levels in atoms and molecules (Oxford Chemistry Primer, no. 26), Oxford University Press, 1994.
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
---|---|
Assessment written exam | 2 |
Lectures | 24 |
Independent study hours | |
---|---|
Independent study | 74 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
---|---|
Andrew Almond | Unit coordinator |