Description
This module develops knowledge of chemical properties relating to chemical and biological systems such as electrochemical reactions and thermodynamics.
Aims
The aim of this Module is to provide the student with the basic concepts of kinetics, energetics, stereochemistry, organic functional groups, biological chemistry and biochemistry
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Relate the concepts of measurement, description and quantification to the physical and chemical properties of matter
2. Describe a range of organic functional groups and their interconversion in relation to biomolecules
3. Apply the concepts of reaction rates, energetics and equilibrium
4. Apply redox concepts to selected elemental types and processes
5. Perform practical exercises safely and skilfully, record and interpret observations, relating them to theory and concepts
Indicative Content
1 Organic and biochemistry
Organic functional groups; alcohols, amines, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, ketones and amides. Their role shape and function in organic and biological chemistry. Enzyme kinetics and the Michaelis Menten equation.
2 Inorganic Chemistry
Advanced study of the periodic table (transition metals) and related trends. Redox reactions. Precipitation reactions and solubility. Nuclear chemistry. Nature and structure of inorganic polymers
3 Physical Chemistry
Chemical kinetics, factors affecting reaction rates, activation energy. Equilibria and its application; weak acids and bases, pH, pKa and pKb, buffers and Ksp. Introduction to concepts of thermodynamics; Enthalpy, Hess’s law, entropy and free energy and their application to chemical and biological systems
Teaching and Learning Work Loads
| Teaching and Learning Method | Hours |
| Lecture | 20 |
| Tutorial/Seminar | 10 |
| Practical Activity | 30 |
| Assessment | 50 |
| Independent | 90 |
| Total | 200 |
Guidance notes
SCQF Level - The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.
Credit Value – The total value of SCQF credits for the module. 20 credits are the equivalent of 10 ECTS credits. A full-time student should normally register for 60 SCQF credits per semester.
Disclaimer
We make every effort to ensure that the information on our website is accurate but it is possible that some changes may occur prior to the academic year of entry. The modules listed in this catalogue are offered subject to availability during academic year 2021/22 , and may be subject to change for future years.
