610-003 Chemistry (Dental Course)

Credit Points

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The major topics covered are: physical and chemical properties of organic substances; reactions of the functional groups found in biological molecules; basic chemistry of biological macromolecules; the structure 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; and elementary UV-visible spectroscopy.

On completion of this course, 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.

Have developed skills to: observe chemical reactions and to accurately record observations on chemical systems; carry out safely, simple laboratory manipulations of chemical substances; use several different instrumental techniques to study the properties of chemical systems.

Appreciate: the importance of rational, critical and independent thought in all branches of science.

Assessment

A 1.5-hour written examination at the end of Semester 1 (30%); a 2.5-hour written examination at the end of Semester 2 on material from both semesters (50%); continuing assessment of practical work during Semester 2 (20%).

Prescribed Texts

• McMurry J 1995, Organic Chemistry. 4th ed. Brooks Cole.
• Silberberg M 1996, Chemistry - The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change. 3rd ed. Mosby.