Introductory description

This module is designed as an introduction to chemical concepts for graduate students from non-chemistry backgrounds.

Introduction to biomolecules: proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates Cell structure and contents Bonding and principles of quantum chemistry Inter-molecular forces Basic synthesis methodologies and mechanisms Thermodynamics Enzyme kinetics

Syllabus:

• Introduction to biomolecules: proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates, small molecules and their structures.
• Introduction to chemical laboratory work.
• Preparation of chemical samples.
• Basic synthesis methodologies and mechanisms.
• Enzyme kinetics.
• Thermodynamics.Inter-molecular forces.
• Bonding.

Assessment group C2

	Weighting	Study time
Weekly workshop sheets	50%	50 hours
Locally Administered Exam (2 hrs)	50%
2 h written exam if more than 30 students enrolled Oral exam (15 min) if 30 or less students

Assessment group C3

	Weighting	Study time
Weekly workshop sheets	50%	50 hours
Oral exam (15 mins)	50%

Indicative reading list

1. ‘Biochemistry’ e.g. by Voet and Voet.
2. An Introduction to Enzyme & Coenzyme Chemistry, T. D. H. Bugg, Blackwells Science, 1997.
3. Enzymes: Biochemistry, Biotechnology & Clinical Chemistry. T. Palmer, Horwood, 2001
4. ‘Physical chemistry’ e.g. by Atkins
5. ‘Organic chemistry’
6. ‘Bioinorganic chemistry’
7. ‘Chemistry’ R. Chang

Module leader:

Dr Nikola P. Chmel