Fundamentals of Chemistry

Code:

Q/BIOQ1001

Acronym:

Q/BIOQ1001

Instance: 2023/2024 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Web Page:	https://moodle.up.pt/course/view.php?id=2280
Responsible unit:	Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Bioinformatics

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:BIOINF	23	Official Study Plan	1	-	6	49	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

The main objective of this course is to show the importance of Chemistry and its pervasive influence in other branches of Science. For that, fundamental topics will be addressed that allow students to understand the structure and properties of matter and to interpret the phenomena of chemical transformation.

Learning outcomes and competences

At the end of this course students are able to:

• Acknowledge that all matter is made up of atoms and that the immense variety of materials in the Universe is a consequence of different ways the atoms are able to link to each other.
• Know the principles of atomic structure and interpret the periodic table of chemical elements.
• Know the basics of valence bond theory and predict molecular geometry.
• Understand the basis of stoichiometry and the thermodynamics of chemical reactions.
• Identify different types of chemical reactions and put them in the context of a wide variety of phenomena observed in Nature.
• Describe the main interactions between molecules and relate them to the macroscopic physical properties of substances.
• Solve quantitatively and discuss critically a set of selected problems related with specific areas of chemistry.
• Know how to extrapolate the knowledge acquired in this course and apply it in other contexts.

Working method

Presencial

Program

Chemistry, the Study of Change

Atoms, Molecules, Ions and Chemical reactions: the structure of atoms, the periodic table; from the atom to molecules and ions;inorganic nomenclature; mass relationships in chemical reactions.
 
Chemical bonding, molecular geometry and carbon compounds: the Lewis model, covalent bonding and molecular geometry; hybridization of atomic orbitals in carbon compounds; main families of organic  compounds; natural polymers- (proteins, lipids, nucleic acids)

States of matter and intermolecular interactions: Gases: ideal gas equation, Dalton´s law of partial pressures, real gas equation of van der Walls; Intermolecular interactions and liquids and solids

Thermodynamics: internal energy and 1st law; enthalpy and thermochemistry; entropy , 2nd and 3rd laws.; Gibbs energy spontaneity  and equilibrium, bioenergetics

Physical properties of  solutions: Ideal and non-ideal solutions; solute solubility and concentration, autoagregation of biological macromolecules and cell membranes,osmotic pressure and osmosis

Acid base equilibrium in aqueous solution; acid and bases concept; pH and acidity; strength of acids and bases; buffers; acid-base titration; some biological buffers 

Electrochemistry: redox reactions; standard reduction potentials;galvanic cells; spontaneity of redox reactions; Nernst equation;membrane potential;  redox reactions in respiration; 

 

Mandatory literature

Chang Raymond; Química. ISBN: 972-9241-68-6
Atkins Peter; Chemical principles. ISBN: 0-7167-5701-X

Complementary Bibliography

Chang Raymond; Physical chemistry for the biosciences. ISBN: 1-891389-33-5
Lehninger Albert L.; Biochemistry. ISBN: 0-87901-047-9

Teaching methods and learning activities

The presentation/discussion of the topics in the theoretical classes followed by classes where the students solve problems with the assistance of the professor allows them to acquire the necessary knowledge and problem solving skills

keywords

Physical sciences > Chemistry

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Frequência das aulas	49,00
Estudo autónomo	113,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

The students must attend at least 3/4 of the number of practical classes planned for the academic semester.

Calculation formula of final grade

The final grade will be obtained by exam

Examinations or Special Assignments

Are not provided.

Internship work/project

not applicable

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

The special assessment shall be a written exam.

Classification improvement

At the time of appeal the student will take an overall exam.

Observations

UC jury
Cosme Neves Resende de Moura
Carlos Manuel de Melo Pereira
Manuel Augusto Gomes de Oliveira Azenha