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Module Outline:

The aim of this module is to provide students with the key foundations in chemistry needed to develop an understanding of biological systems at a molecular level. Students expecting to take higher level modules in chemistry and in biochemistry/molecular biology, pharmacology or neuroscience should take this module.

Module Aims:

At the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Understand the principles underpinning structure and bonding in ions and molecules of biological interest.

2. Understand the basic principles of intermolecular forces that lead to membrane self-assembly and protein folding.

3. Have an understanding of how molecules interact with light, including absorption, fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy.

4. Understand equilibrium and the factors which determine it (enthalpy, entropy and the Gibbs energy)

5. Understand the links between concentration and oxidation/reduction processes.

6. Understand pH and its measurement.

7. Formulate and to understand the factors influencing the rates of chemical reaction.

8. Be able to out measurements and basic chemical procedures using substances that can be bought in the supermarket or corner shop, using using simple instruments like a multimeter, digital thermometer, pH meter and mobile phone.

9. Be familiar with order of magnitude estimates/calculations.

10. Have an understanding of basic error estimation and propagation

11. To have fun learning.

Teaching and Learning Methods:

Lectures: The topics will be introduced through a blended delivery of asynchronous videos with online activities, support hours and workshops.

Workshops: Your learning is supported in each topic by revision workshops. Lecturers will go over problem sets, past exams or cover topics as requested by students and provide worked examples term a compulsory Errors Workshop or ‘Dry Lab’ is scheduled to allow you to practice carrying out the error analysis you will need for the lab. Preparation for this workshop is expected and essential. Following each lab a ‘debrief session’ workshop will be held to discuss the result obtained and links to lecture material.

Self-study: In addition to timetabled hours it is expected that you engage in self-study in order to master the material. This can take the form of practicing example questions (workshop questions, additional questions available on Moodle and past exam questions); preparing for laboratory sessions and writing up reports and further reading in textbooks and online.

Laboratories: The practical component of this course is 'Lab-14', in which you are provided with a chemistry kit to carry out a range of experiments. As practical skills are an essential aspect of this programme, engagement is monitored and compulsory.