Aim

The course provides an introduction to the chemistry of inorganic, organic and biological molecules. Emphasis is provided on basic principles of atomic and molecular electronic structure, intermolecular forces, acid-base and redox equilibria, chemical kinetics and enzyme catalysis, structure and function of biomolecules and -as an introduction to metabolism- thermodynamics and bioenergetics

Learning outcomes

To familiarize the students with terminology, scope and basic principles of Chemistry and to show them the molecular basis of biological sciences in order to understand and interpret the chemical and biochemical processes in living organisms.

Content

Atom structure. Basic chemical principles. The periodic table. Chemical bonding (hybrid orbitals). Molecular Geometry. Intermolecular forces. Acids-base equilibria. Solutions and buffers. Chemical reactions. Introduction to Organic Chemistry. Amino acids, peptides and proteins. Enzymes. Carbohydrates. Lipids. DNA-RNA. Thermodynamics principles. Biochemical redox reactions.

Educational Methods   

• Lectures

Criteria for successful completion

• Successful final written exam

Suggested textbooks

• “Principles of Chemistry: A Molecular Approach” by N.J. Tro
• “Lehninger’s Principles of Biochemistry” by D.L. Nelson and M.M. Cox 7th