Molecular Studies for the Life Sciences

University of Reading

Course Description

  • Course Name

    Molecular Studies for the Life Sciences

  • Host University

    University of Reading

  • Location

    Reading, England

  • Area of Study

    Biology, Nutrition and Food Science

  • Language Level

    Taught In English

  • Course Level Recommendations

    Lower

    ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.

    Hours & Credits

  • ECTS Credits

    5
  • Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
    3
  • Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
    4

  • Overview

    Module Provider: Chemistry
    Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
    Level:4
    Terms in which taught: Spring term module
    Pre-requisites:
    Non-modular pre-requisites: BSc Microbiology students taking CH1FC1 or who have A2 level Chemistry at Grade C or below. BSc Biomedical Science students without A2 level Chemistry or an equivalent qualification are REQUIRED to take this module. Food students are required to take this module. A2 or AS Level Chemistry.
    Co-requisites:
    Modules excluded: CH1OR1 Shape, Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry CH1IN1 Fundamentals of Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table or CH1PH1 Physical Processes and Molecular Organisation
    Module version for: 2014/5
    Module Convenor: Dr Elizabeth Page
    Email: e.m.page@reading.ac.uk
    Summary module description:
    Aims:
    This module develops the concepts introduced in CH1FC1 and provides a comprehensive background in chemistry for biological and food scientists. It has a specific emphasis on the chemistry required for the life sciences and the material is illustrated in case studies and workshops relevant to these students.
    Assessable learning outcomes:
    Students should have a good understanding of all the topics outlined below. In addition they should appreciate the relevance of the material to applications in the life sciences and especially food science. Students should develop confidence in the laboratory procedures practised and be able to perform calculations and solve problems on any of the areas covered.
    Additional outcomes:
    Students will develop confidence in applying the language and terminology of chemistry in biological situations, will improve their numeracy skills and have opportunity for small group work in the problem solving sessions. Students will develop basic skills in practical chemistry.
    Outline content:
    1: Reacting molecules and energy. Energy changes in biological reactions. Energy heat and work. Calorimetry. Enthalpy and Entropy. Gibbs free energy. Free energy and metabolic pathways. Free energy and equilibrium. (E.M.Page, 2 lectures, 1 workshop)
    2: Reacting molecules and kinetics. Factors determining reaction rates. Activation energy (E.M. Page, 2 lectures, 1 workshop).
    3 Acids, bases and dissociation. Determination and definition of pH and pKa, buffers. (E.M. Page, 2 lectures, 1 workshop)
    4: Free energy and redox potentials. Obtaining energy for life. Electron transport reactions. Energy transfer and storage in metabolic pathways. (E.M. Page, 2 lectures, 1 workshop)
    5: The periodic table, structure, hybridisation and orbital energy level diagrams (P.B. Cranwell, 2 lectures, 1 workshop)
    6: Nomenclature in organic chemistry P.B. Cranwell, 2 lectures, 1 workshop)
    7: Shape, stereochemistry and chirality in molecules, including E/Z alkenes, Cahn-Ingold-Prelog rules for nomenclature and the problem of enantiomers. ( P.B. Cranwell, 2 lectures, 1 workshop)
    8: Nucleophlilic substitution reactions and the difference between an SN1 and an SN2 mechanism leading onto hyperconjugation, resonance and the stereochemical implications of each substitution reaction pathway P.B. Cranwell, 2 lectures, 1 workshop)
    9: Alkenes and elimination: Reduction of double and triple bonds, general reactions of alkenes, radical chemistry and E1 and E2 eliminations to generate alkenes. P.B. Cranwell, 2 lectures, 1 workshop)
    10: Nucleophilic addition reaction of amino group to carbonyls; Carbonyl structure and bonding, reactivity, uses in fragrance chemistry, amides and esters. P.B. Cranwell, 2 lectures, 1 workshop)
    Laboratory Classes (P.B. Cranwell, 3 x 4 hour sessions)
    Pre-labs to cover basic techniques in synthetic and analytical chemistry. Simple acid/base titration, ester hydrolysis, separation, recrystallisation, chromatography and IR spectroscopy.
    Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
    Each session consists of 2 lectures and one workshop on related topics. The lectures outline the theory and applications and the workshops involve practice on problem solving related to topics from chemistry and the life sciences. Each weekly session is assessed by on-line tests, multiple choice in-class tests or by using electronic voting devices. Attendance is compulsory at all sessions. Four x three-hour practical sessions. Students carry out pre-labs on line and initial literature search. The importance of lab note-books is emphasised.
    Contact hours:
    Spring
    Lectures 20
    Seminars 10
    Practicals classes and workshops 12
    Guided independent study 58
    Total hours by term 100.00
    Total hours for module 100.00
    Summative Assessment Methods:
    Method Percentage
    Written exam 40
    Practical skills assessment 20
    Class test administered by School 40
    Other information on summative assessment:
    Students will attend workshops and laboratory sessions on the material covered in this module. Students will carry out short multiple choice tests throughout the term based directly on lecture material. Practical work will be assessed both through work in the laboratory and individual lab notebooks.
    Continual assessment by in-class tests in weeks 4, 8 and 10 of term 40%
    Practical work: 20%
    Final exam: 40%
    Practical reports to be submitted by the last day of the Spring term
    Laboratory notebooks must be submitted by the named date.
    Formative assessment methods:
    Weekly workshops with feedback on Blackboard.
    Penalties for late submission:
    The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
    where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
    where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
    You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
    Length of examination:
    1.5 hours
    Requirements for a pass:
    A mark of 40% overall.
    Reassessment arrangements:
    Reassessment by examination in August. All coursework marks will be carried forward and count towards the final resit mark.
    Last updated: 8 October 2014

Course Disclaimer

Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.

Some courses may require additional fees.

Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.

ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits are converted to semester credits/quarter units differently among U.S. universities. Students should confirm the conversion scale used at their home university when determining credit transfer.

Please reference fall and spring course lists as not all courses are taught during both semesters.

Please note that some courses with locals have recommended prerequisite courses. It is the student's responsibility to consult any recommended prerequisites prior to enrolling in their course.

X

This site uses cookies to store information on your computer. Some are essential to make our site work; others help us improve the user experience. By using the site, you consent to the placement of these cookies.

Read our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Confirm