FP046-15 Chemistry for the Biosciences
Introductory description
Knowledge of structure and function in biological systems underpinned by the chemical structures, reactions and interactions of the molecules involved. This module provides a background in chemistry for students wishing to study the Life Science or Psychology at Undergraduate level. The material is illustrated in case studies relevant to these students.
Module aims
This module presents students with an introduction in fundamental ideas and concepts in chemistry for students wishing to study subjects involving molecular science. The module aims to provide students with an appreciation of the structure and function of molecules, principles of kinetics, pH and chemical analysis with the application of these to biological systems. In addition, skills aligned to the chemical sciences including numeracy, logical argument, research, referencing and the utilisation of modelling will be developed.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Student will cover:
Introduction: Chemical Basis of Living Systems
- Atoms, the mole and the Periodic table
- Electronegativity and Chemical Bonding
- Biomolecules: Electronic Structure and Shape
Biological Macromolecules
- Polymers, proteins and amino aids
- Making peptides
- Bonding and Interactions between Molecules
- Isomerism
- Kinetics, the rate of reactions (the rate constant, k and the order of reactions)
- Functional Groups and identification; to include:Esters, Alcohols, Carboxylic acids, Aldehydes and Ketones
Balance and disruption in biological systems
- Equilibrium, Ka and Kpa
- Buffers and the importance of pH in biological systems
- Acids and Base disorders
- Oxidation and reduction reactions
Neurochemistry
- Synaptic transmissions
- Excitatory and inhibitory amino acids
- An introduction to disorders of the Nervous system
Biochemical analysis
- The mole and understanding concentrations
- Mass Spectroscopy
- NMR and Infrared detection
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Student should be able to describe atomic structure, shape and molecular bonding
- Students should be able to explain of how chemicals and their properties can determine physiological processes and functioning of major organ systems
- Students should be able to calculate the order of a reaction and identify factors that influence the rate of biological reactions
- Students should be able to analyse acid-base phenomena and their effects in order to produce relevant conclusions
- Students should be able to identify different functional groups in biological macromolecules using Instrumental analysis
Indicative reading list
Chemistry for the life sciences (2009) Raul Sutton; Bernard Rockett; Peter Swindells
Psychology Express: Biological Psychology (2012) Emma Preece, Dominic Upton
Chemistry for the biosciences : the essential concepts (2014) Jonathan Crowe, Tony Bradshaw
Interdisciplinary
This module links ideas and concepts delivered in the Biology and Psychology modules taken by students. The final assessment will require students to draw on and apply learning from across these modules.
Subject specific skills
Students will develop a core understanding of key chemical concepts, with a focus on the application of these fundamental principles within the bio-sciences.
Students will develop a familiarity with the language and terminology of chemistry.
Students will be encouraged to think creatively and critically and identify trends and patterns.
Transferable skills
Students will develop their research, organisational, time management, team working, IT and oral communication skills.
Students will develop effective communication for different target audience through written, oral and visual means.
Students will learn to select and manage information drawn from books, journals, and the internet.
Students will learn to make value judgements about their own work and the work of peers.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 20 sessions of 2 hours (27%) |
| Private study | 60 hours (40%) |
| Assessment | 50 hours (33%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
To develop new knowledge and understanding for this module students should undertake activities such as reading in relation to the subject areas covered, critical analysis of data and articles, reflection, practice questions, group work and preparation for assignments.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| An infographic | 20% | 10 hours | Yes (extension) |
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Students are required to create an info-graphic |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| BIochemistry: MCQ and Short answer questions | 20% | 10 hours | No |
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A set of questions requiring students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of key concepts |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| Case study | 60% | 30 hours | Yes (extension) |
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This assessment will required students to apply the biological, chemical and psychological knowledge to a condition such as Alzheimer's Disease. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Students will be provided with formative assessments that will give 'feed-forward' comments to support the assessments in both written and verbal formats. On summative assessment students will receive written 'feed-forward' comments through Tabula.
Courses
This module is Core for:
-
FIOE Warwick International Foundation Programme
- Year 1 of FP21 Warwick International Foundation Programme - Life Sciences
- Year 1 of FP22 Warwick International Foundation Programme - Psychology