CHM1616

Chemistry for biology

Mr R Lyall

6 points - First Semester - Three 1-hour lectures, one 1-hour tutorial and 2 hours of laboratory/discussion sessions per week - Gippsland/ Distance - Prohibitions: GAS1080, GAS1095, CHM1031, CHM1042 - Note: Distance education students will be able to complete practical exercises at one two-day weekend school or by home experiment kit.

Objectives On satisfactory completion of this subject students will have a basic understanding of the nature of forces between atoms, elements and compounds; understand the physical laws relating to gases and liquids and their application to physiological processes; achieve a very basic understanding of inorganic compounds; appreciate simple bio-chemical activities of inorganic compounds; achieve a basic understanding of the nature of organic compounds; be able to describe the chemical structure of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids; appreciate the activity of these compounds in physiological processes and be able to demonstrate skill and confidence in chemical measurements and calculations associated with the above areas.

Synopsis This subject is designed to enable the intending psychology, environmental or biological scientist to understand the basic principles of chemistry as they apply to physiological, biological and biochemical processes. The course is divided into three compulsory units (i) Fundamentals of chemistry (measurement, chemical formulae, equations and states of matter), (ii) Bio-inorganic chemistry (chemical reactions, solutions, acids, bases and buffers) and (iii) Bioorganic chemistry (physical and chemical properties, functional groups, lipids, carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acids). The subject is taught by lecture, tutorial and experimental/discussion sessions. Some programmed learning material is available. The teaching approach will place strong emphasis on relating theoretical concepts to practical applications.

Assessment Assessment is progressive through the semester - Examination: 50% - Assignments: 30% - Laboratory practical reports: 20%. A pass in both theory and practical work is mandatory to pass the subject.

Prescribed texts

Bettelheim F A and March J Introduction to general, organic and biochemistry Saunders, 1995

Recommended texts

To be advised on enrolment

Back to the 1999 Science Handbook