Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Scientific report 1000 Words | 30% |
| Semester Assessment | 1 Hours Online test Online test analysing the data from a practical session | 30% |
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours Exam | 40% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Scientific report 1000 Words | 30% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 1 Hours Online test | 30% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours Exam | 40% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of acid-base equilibria in biological systems, including pH calculations, buffers and acid/base titrations.
Recognise isomerism including stereochemistry and the 3D shapes of molecules.
Demonstrate knowledge of spectroscopic techniques for the determination of structures of organic molecules.
Apply fundamental basic physical chemical principles to thermodynamics and kinetics in biological systems.
Be able to explain the fundamentals and core principles in organic chemistry, including orbital hybridisation, structure, stability and shape of organic molecules. Demonstrate understanding of mechanistic organic chemistry and how this applies to biomolecules.
Discuss and describe the major biochemical metabolic pathways/cycles within cells, including start- and end- points, intermediates, enzymes and co-factors.
Discuss the interaction of these pathways and cycles.
Brief description
The module will discuss and outline the application of physical and organic chemistry to the study of biomolecules and biochemical processes. This will include thermodynamics and kinetics, structure and reactivity of organic biomolecules, acid-base equilibria and spectroscopy. These will form the basis of understanding fundamental biochemical processes, pathways and cycles. Metabolism and the functions of amino acids, sugars and lipids will be outlined.
Content
Fundamentals of organic chemistry will be discussed, focusing on important chemical concepts, with emphasis on biologically related chemistry to grasp the importance of organic chemistry in understanding reactions in living organisms. The structure, reactivity and synthesis of biologically important organic compounds (amino acids, nucleotides, sugars, lipids, aldehydes, ketones, aromatic compounds and heterocycles) will be broadly covered. The major reaction types discussed include nucleophilic substitution, electrophilic aromatic substitution, addition reactions, oxidation and reduction, eliminations and rearrangements.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Subject Specific Skills | Subject specific concepts relating to biochemistry will be developed. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of chemical principles as applied to molecular biology with examples. Students will gain key skills in extrapolating and interpreting complex data through lectures and practicals. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamentals and core aspects of organic, physical and biological chemistry in lectures and will be applied to solve chemical problems. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4