module specification

The module  provides an introduction to core aspects of chemistry - concepts of chemical formulae, reaction processes, and interactions between particles are enumerated. Fundementals of organic chemistry are expounded, with emphasis on bonding, molecular structure, and simple reaction mechanisms.  The second half of the module is concerned with biochemistry focusing on the properties of key biochemical molecules and their role in biochemical function. 

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. This module aims to introduce students to core aspects of chemistry - concepts of chemical formulae, reaction processes, and interactions between particles are enumerated. The fundamentals of organic chemistry are expounded, with emphasis on bonding, molecular structure, and simple reaction mechanisms.  The second half of the module is concerned with biochemistry focusing on the properties of key biochemical molecules and their role in biochemical function. This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility.

Fundamentals of Chemistry:
The formulae of simple chemical compounds;  balancing equations; moles and amounts; introduction to atoms, ions, radicals (illustrated for O-containing species);  very brief overview of the chemistry of the first 20 elements of the periodic table (oxidation states, examples of compounds formed).
States of matter; intermolecular forces; introduction to equilibrium; acids, bases, pKa, pKb.
Introductory Organic Chemistry:
Empirical formulae, chemical formulae and structural formulae; calculation of % yield. Introductory concepts of bonding (sigma and pi bonds); hybridisation. Nomenclature and bonding in simple organic molecules as exemplified by commonly encountered compounds e.g. aspirin.
Stereochemistry. Geometric isomers (cis/trans, E/Z) and chirality; R and S isomers, the Cahn Ingold Prelog nomenclature.Reaction mechanisms: SN1, SN2, E1, E2.Synthesis and hydrolysis of esters and amides.Introductory Aromatic Chemistry.

Biochemistry:
Introduction to basic thermodynamic principles. The concepts of enthalpy, entropy and free energy and their relevance to biochemical processes. Equilibria in acid/base and redox reactions. Redox couples, weak acids, amphoteric behaviour and buffers.Structure, properties and distribution of biomolecules: Proteins: amino acids, the peptide bond, levels of protein structure.
Enzymes: enzyme classes, Michaelis-Menten kinetics.
Carbohydrates: structure and behaviour of monosaccharides, selected sugar derivatives, the glycosidic bond, reducing and non-reducing disaccharides, oligo- and polysaccharides, determinants of their function.
Lipids: structure and behaviour of fatty acids and glycerides. Classification of lipids.
Water: structure and behaviour of water, contribution to macromolecular structure.

Teaching and learning sessions include tutorials (24.5 h), lectures (49 h), an assessed practical and mini-tests and course work with feedback where appropriate.
Tutorials have an emphasis on problem solving based on preset work with student participation and group activities.  Students will be expected to prepare in advance for tutorials  to develop problem-solving skills using worksheets provided.  Feedback from these sessions facilitates the learning process.
Lectures are used to set context and to deliver subject material, and are linked to course work , tutorials and mini-tests.
Students will be expected to reflect on the learning experience and develop their own understanding of the material.
Writing skills will be enhanced through the production of a laboratory report of an experiment. The ability to undertake scientific and ethical appraisal of data will be encouraged through directed reading and tutorial discussions. Students will be expected to reflect upon taught material in order to demonstrate their understanding of the aspects of biochemistry covered in this module.

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:
1. write and explain the formulae of simple chemical species, and balance simple chemical reactions;
2. explain the different states of matter, and how these are influenced by intermolecular forces;
3. calculate yields of reactions, understand the concepts of functional group and reactive species, and name a variety of organic molecules;
4. demonstrate an understanding of bonding in organic chemistry; and identify stereoisomers and geometic isomers of organic compounds;
5. show understanding of key organic reaction mechanisms (SN1, SN2, E1, E2, aromatic), and the formation and hydrolysis of esters and amides;
6. display an appreciation of the ways in which thermodynamic principles provide an understanding of biochemical processes;
7. display knowledge of the structure, properties and distribution of biomolecules;
8. have knowledge of enzyme structure and function and of some of the most important mechanisms controlling the action of enzymes and other proteins;show critical thinking in relation to evaluation of biochemical data; analysing laboratory data and answering quantitative questions in biochemistry.

The module will be summatively assessed by means of 5 mini-tests (25% of overall mark) – learning outcomes 1-5, a 45 minute progress test (25% of overall mark) – learning outcomes 1-5, a laboratory practical write-up (25% of overall mark) – learning outcome 9, and a 1 hour online exam (25% of overall mark) – learning outcomes 6-9. The students must pass with an overall passmark of 40%.

Burrows, A., Holman, J., Parsons, A., Pilling, G., Price, G., (2009), Chemistry3, Oxford University Press.
Chang, R., (2000) Physical Chemistry for the Chemical and Biological Sciences 3rd Edition, University Science Books.
Hornby, M., Peach, J., (1993) Foundations of Organic Chemistry, Oxford Chemistry Primers, Oxford University Press.
Hornby, M., Peach, J., (2000) Foundations of Organic Chemistry: Worked Examples, Oxford Chemistry Primers, Oxford University Press.
Bruce, P. (2007) Organic Chemistry, Fifth Edition, Pearson-Prentice Hall.
Berg, J., Tymoczko, J. and Stryer, L. (2011). Biochemistry International edition, 7th Edition,. W.H. Freeman.
Farrell, S. and Campbell, M. (2011). Biochemistry (7th Edition). CENGAGE Learning Custom Publishing
Horton H.R. et al. (2011). Principles of Biochemistry (5th edition). Pearson Education.
McKee, T and McKee J. (2009). Biochemistry: The Molecular Basis of Life. (4thedition). Oxford                                                          University Press.