Organic and Biological Chemistry - The

Chemistry of Life
CBMS603
General Information
Learning Outcomes

Unit description
This unit presents the fundamentals of organic chemistry, which is the study of
chemical compounds containing carbon. Such compounds are the major
components of living systems. The themes presented are relevant to molecular
transformations in both the living world and in the laboratory. The coursework
encompasses a systematic study of the structures and typical reactions of the
major classes of functional groups (alkanes; alkenes; aromatic compounds; alkyl
halides; alcohols; aldehydes and ketones; carboxylic acids; and amines). This
includes the chemical properties of important biomolecules such as amino acids,
proteins, carbohydrates and nucleic acids.
Important Academic Dates

Learning Outcomes

Identify the major classes of organic compounds, including biomolecules, identify

stereochemistry and conformational properties of these molecules and
understand their reactivity at a mechanistic level
Undertake basic laboratory procedures for isolating, synthesising and identifying
organic compounds or functional groups, using chemistry specific apparatus and
techniques and safe laboratory practices
Accurately record your laboratory observations and interpret and communicate
the outcomes in formal laboratory reports in a manner commensurate with
professional chemistry
Analyse experimental results to solve related problems
Explain organic and biological concepts clearly in the tutorial class to colleagues
and the tutor and in written format in exams and laboratory reports
Work with colleagues to undertake experiments in a safe and harmonious way

Apply the developed knowledge of organic functional group chemistry to new

advanced organic and biological chemistry problems including multiple step
syntheses and identification of unknown compounds

CBMS602 General Chemistry

Unit
description

Chemistry stands at the forefront of change in the twenty-first century. It is the basis for
the development of new medicines, new materials, new ways of monitoring and
improving our environment through green technologies, and many other rapidly
advancing fields. In this unit students learn the principles of physical, inorganic and
general chemistry, gaining insights into the electronic structure of atoms, the properties o
molecules and the role of energy in chemical change. The unit also allows students to
develop critical skills in solving quantitative problems that serve them well in later
studies. The physical properties of solids, liquids and gases; metals, semi-conductors and
insulators; electrolyte solutions; synthetic polymers; and biomolecules are discussed.
Another important focus of the unit is on the control of chemical reactions through
changing the rates of reactions or by altering the concentrations of compounds present at
equilibrium. Reactions involving acids, oxidising agents and metal complexes are
discussed, and an introduction to thermodynamics and electrochemistry is presented. All
of the chemical principles explored in the unit are illustrated by economically,
environmentally and biologically important examples from the real world, thereby
enhancing students' understanding and allowing them to appreciate the role of chemistry
in everyday life.

Learning Outcomes
1.

At the completion of this unit you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of

some fundamental general chemistry principles, applicable to chemistry and other
science disciplines.

2.

At the completion of this unit you will be able to demonstrate the capability to solve
chemistry problems and process and interpret, in a manner commensurate with
professional chemistry, chemistry data , using several fundamental chemico-physical
rules and an understanding of where to apply them

3.

At the completion of this unit you will be able to demonstrate basic chemistrylaboratory skills and an understanding of general laboratory safety procedures.

4.

At the completion of this unit you will be able demonstrate that you can accurately
record your laboratory observations and interpret and communicate the outcomes in
formal laboratory reports in a manner commensurate with professional chemistry;

5.

At the completion of this unit you will be able demonstrate an awareness of the
national and international context in which chemistry operates, and the social and
environmental applications and impacts of chemistry

CBMS608 Chemical Analysis I

Unit
description

The measurement of chemical composition is a necessary requirement for forensic

science, local and international trade, manufacture and production, government
regulatory agencies, biotechnology, and nearly every field of science. Thus, an
understanding of the principles of chemical analysis is an essential part of any scientist's
education. This unit is designed to serve the needs of students majoring in chemical,
biomolecular, environmental, earth and medical sciences. The unit introduces the
principles of chemical analysis that enable the separation, detection, identification and
quantification of the chemical matter found in a variety of samples. Such samples may
range from those associated with forensic science such as drugs in biological tissue to
contaminants in river systems, soils and the general environment, to heavy metals in ore
and alloys, to neurochemicals present in a single neuron. Topics include: statistical
analysis of chemical data; sampling methods; all modes of chromatographic separation
with applications to environmental and biotechnological issues; methods of flow analysi
of environmental and biological samples; ion-selective electrodes; potentiometric
titration; titrimetry and buffer solutions. Understanding of these techniques is reinforced
with practical, hands-on experience using instrumentation in our well-equipped analytica
teaching laboratory.

Learning Outcomes

1.

appreciate and understand the basic principles of some commonly used analytical
techniques;

2.

perform basic analytical experiments with awareness of uncertainty in measurements;

3.

interpret and draw sound conclusions from analytical chemical data obtained;

4.

prepare written scientific documents at a satisfactory level;

5.

develop fundamental interpersonal skills during laboratory sessions.

General Assessment Information

In order to complete this unit satisfactorily students must
1.

attend and participate satisfactorily in ALL laboratory sessions;

2.

perform satisfactorily in a final examination of three hours' duration.

3.

Microbiology - CBMS615
Microbiology is the study of microorganisms and underpins many other areas of contemporary
sciences such as medicine and biotechnology. This unit introduces the role of microorganisms in
natural environments and disease and the ways they have been employed for practical benefits
across the life sciences and industry. Lecture topics include the history of microbiology, microbial cell
structure and function, microbial genetics and biodiversity, microbial growth, and a variety of topics in
applied environmental and industrial microbiology. The hands-on laboratory sessions provide the
students with essential skills and techniques used in microbiology and demonstrate principles taught
in the lectures. This unit will be excellent for students majoring in biomolecular sciences, biology,
environmental sciences and medical sciences.

nit
description

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms and underpins many other areas of

contemporary sciences such as medicine and biotechnology. This unit introduces the role o
microorganisms in natural environments and disease and the ways they have been
employed for practical benefits across the life sciences and industry. Lecture topics include
the history of microbiology, microbial cell structure and function, microbial genetics and
biodiversity, microbial growth, and a variety of topics in applied environmental and

industrial microbiology. The hands-on laboratory sessions provide the students with
essential skills and techniques used in microbiology and demonstrate principles taught in
the lectures. This unit will be excellent for students majoring in biomolecular sciences,
biology, environmental sciences and medical sciences.

Learning Outcomes
1.

Describe the microbial world and its diversity, requirements for life, reproduction,
processes, adaptations, interactions and applications.

2.

Design and conduct a microbiology scientific experiment.

3.

Source microbiology literature to support scientific reports.

4.

Communicate scientific information relevant to microbiology.

5.

Understand the importance of bacteriological media and its application.

6.

Interpret laboratory microscopy and cultures from various environments.

7.

Apply fundamental concepts and developed knowledge in microbiology to discuss

aspects of medicine, industry, in biogeochemical cycling, in terrestrial, aquatic systems and
in food.

BIOL206 Genetics
Unit
description

Genetics occupies a central role in modern sciences, with profound implications for basi
and applied research in biology, medicine and agriculture, as well as for a number of
philosophical issues in human affairs. This unit offers a balanced approach to teach
introductory principles of genetics. It combines sections on classical, molecular and
population genetics presented in an integrative way. The practical sessions offer students
the possibility of learning essential techniques and skills in modern molecular genetics.

Learning Outcomes

1.

Describe how genetic processes apply to agriculture, human health, social and
environmental matters

2.

Apply basic principles of genetics to solve problems

3.

Describe routine techniques used to assay genetic variation and a capacity to use
fundamental tools of genetic research (pipettes, gel electrophoresis, sequence analysis).

4.

Use some common population genetic softwares and bioinformatic tools to analyse
genetic data

5.

Source, synthesise and critically evaluate appropriate primary scientific literature