Chemistry

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Objectives

The aim of the curricular unit is to provide students with the ability to understand how and why atoms react forming substances, and how it is possible to deduce its properties, relevant to biological systems, from its composition and structure.

Program

THEORETICAL PART

1. Atomic Structure.

2. Periodic properties of the elements.

3. Chemical bonding in covalent compounds (TLV).

4. Properties of covalent bond.

5. Organic Chemistry.

6. Intermolecular forces.

7. Chemistry of macromolecules.

8. Acid base equilibrium: a) buffer solutions; b) mechanisms for monitoring pH in biological environment.

9. Solubility of solids, liquids and gases.

PRACTICAL PARTS

1. Basic laboratory techniques in chemistry

2. Study of the diffusion process in solution

3. Determination of the concentration of a colored species Vis spectrophotometry

4. Purification of benzoic acid (2 classes)

5. Extraction of caffeine from energetic drink’s

6. Dialysis of a mixture of starch and glucose

7. Determination of the percentage of acetic acid in the vinegar

8. Construction of an electrochemical cell: cell Gerber

Teaching Methodologies

The classes introducing each topic in syllabus contents are supported by PowerPoint presentations. The remaining classes consist in the resolution by the students of exercises concerning these topics. Student’s active participation is encouraged by solving questions on key points of the syllabus. The laboratory activities are carried out by the students according to the Practical Guide available online since the beginning of the semester All the pedagogical materials use in the classes and laboratory is available online on the Moodle e-learning platform.

Bibliography

Química, Raymond Chang, 8ª ed., McGraw-Hill (tradução portuguesa, recente)

General Organic and Biological Chemistry, K.W. Raymond, John Wiley & Sons, ISBN 0-471-44707-2

Chemistry for Biological Sciences, Portland Press Ltd, 1996. ISBN 1855789981.

Fundamentos de química para as Ciências Biológicas. White, E.H. Edgard Blücher Lda. 1988 (compra on-line)

Code

0104625

ECTS Credits

6

Classes

  • Práticas e Laboratórios - 30 hours
  • Teóricas - 45 hours

Evaluation Methodology

  • Laboratory component: 20%
  • Theoretical component: 80%