610-005 Medical Chemistry

Coordinator

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

On completion of this subject, students should: comprehend the elementary theory of chemical bonding in organic molecules; the stereochemistry of simple organic molecules and its application to the understanding of the relation between molecular shape and biological activity; the nature of the important classes of biologically-important molecules and their functions; the elementary theory of chemical bonding in coordinated metal ion complexes and the importance of trace transition metals in life processes; the thermodynamics and kinetics of biologically-important reactions and processes; elementary UV-visible spectroscopy. Students will have developed skills to observe chemical reactions and to accurately record observations on chemical systems; to carry out safely, simple laboratory manipulations of chemical substances; to use several different instrumental techniques to study the properties of chemical systems, and appreciate the importance of rational, critical and independent thought in all branches of science. Major topics covered include physical and chemical properties of organic substances; reactions of the functional groups found in biological molecules; basic chemistry of biological macromolecules; the structures of biological membranes; metal ions in biological systems; elementary bonding theory; electrolyte chemistry; introduction to aspects of chemical kinetics and thermodynamics applied to biologically-important molecules and systems; elementary UV-visible spectroscopy.

Assessment

A 1.5-hour written examination (30%) at the end of first semester. One 2.5-hour written examination (50%) at the end of second semester. Practical work is assessed continuously throughout second semester (20%).

Prescribed Texts

• McMurry J, Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry. 3rd ed., Brooks/Cole 1993.
• Silberberg M, Chemistry-The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change. 3rd ed., Mosby 1996.