Overview

This course builds on a basic knowledge of chemistry to examine the key underlying chemistry processes in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere and biological systems.

This course comprises of two main areas:

(1) Chemistry in the Environment
This series of lectures will examine examples of the key underlying chemistry relevant to processes in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.

(2) Chemistry in Biological Systems - Biolmolecules An introduction to biologically active compounds including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, acetates, terpenes, shikimates, and alkaloids.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Threshold (D- to C+). Knowledge and understanding of the content covered in the course is basic; Problems of a routine nature are generally adequately solved.

-good -Good (B- to B+). Knowledge base covers all essential aspects of subject matter dealt with in the programme and shows good evidence of enquiry beyond this. Conceptual understanding is good. Problems of a familiar and unfamiliar nature are solved in a logical manner; solutions are generally correct and acceptable.

-excellent -Excellent (A- or higher). Knowledge base is extensive and extends well beyond the work covered in the programme. Conceptual understanding is outstanding. Problems of a familiar and unfamiliar nature are solved with efficiency and accuracy; problem-solving procedures are adjusted to the nature of the problem.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe and discuss key chemical processes studies relating to the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.

• Draw chemical structures and representations of some of the major classes of biomolecules

• Explain the importance of the major classes of biomolecules in nature.

• Give examples of major metabolic pathways and describe how secondary metabolites arise from these routes.