Chemistry for human biology
Mr Robert Lyall
6 points * First semester * Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week and seven 2-hour laboratory/tutorial classes during semester * Gippsland/Distance/Peninsula * Prohibitions: Cannot be credited towards the major study in a Bachelor of Applied Science; students cannot obtain credit towards any award for more than one of GAS1080, GAS1095.
Objectives On the completion of this subject students should be able to achieve a basic understanding of the nature of and 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 biochemical activities of inorganic compounds; achieve a basic understanding of the nature of organic compounds; describe the chemical structure of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids; appreciate the activity of these compounds in physiological processes.
Synopsis The subject is divided into three compulsory units. (1) Fundamentals of chemistry (measurement, chemical formulae, equations and states of matter). (2) Bio-inorganic chemistry (chemical reactions, solutions, acids, bases and buffers). (3) Bio-organic chemistry (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 their practical applications to the health science field.
Assessment Assessment is progressive throughout the year * Subject tests: 65% * Assignment: 15% * Laboratory work: 20%
Prescribed texts
Timberlake K Chemistry 5th edn, Harper and Row, 1991 or
Betelheim F A and March J Introduction to general, organic and biochemistry 4th edn, Saunders, 1995
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