The general aim of Physical-Chemistry is the study of three large areas within this discipline: thermodynamics, kinetics and binary heterogeneous systems. It is intended that, after application of the proposed syllabus, the student acquires knowledge in Thermodynamics, Kinetics and study on heterogeneous systems necessary to understand chemical, biochemical and technological phenomena within the scope of other disciplines, taught on following years.
As learning outcomes, the following skills are expected to be acquired by students:
1. Capacity to apply the knowledge acquired in physical-chemistry to other fields of knowledge that are present in the MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
2. Ability to apply chemical concepts in determining physical-chemical parameters and in solving practical problems.
3. Ability to present arguments and solutions in a scientific and correct way.
Unit 1 - Chemical and Biochemical Thermodynamics
Basic concepts. The zero, first and second laws of thermodynamic. Thermochemistry. Entropy. Gibbs function. Application to biological systems: coupled reactions, phosphate group transfer reactions, proton transfer reactions, active and passive transport, sodium-potassium pump, thermodynamics of glucose metabolism.
Unit 2 – Kinetics
Rate of reaction. Rate law. Reaction mechanisms and rate law. Interpretation of reaction mechanisms based on kinetic and thermodynamic parameters: alkane halogenation and SN1 and SN2 reactions. Chemical Catalysis. Enzyme kinetics and inhibition
Unit 3 – Binary and heterogeneous systems
Introduction to binary phase systems. Micelles, vesicles, liposomes, membranes. Interaction of drugs (and other substances) with heterogeneous systems: pharmaceutical technology and biomimetic models of lipidic membranes.
The teaching methods comprehend:
1. Theoretical classes: 2 hours/week taught using available audiovisuals, including short movies and resources from the internet;
2. Practical classes: 1 hour/week dedicated to the resolution of application problems;
3. Laboratory classes: 2 hours/week that include experimental work related to the topics taught in the theoretical classes.
The tasks are undertaken in group and all experimental observations are registered, and the respective calculus and results discussed are at the end of the semester.
Tinoco Jr., I., Sauer, K., Wang, J. C., Puglisi, J. D., Harbison, G. & Rovnyak, D. (2013) Physical Chemistry: Principles and Applications in Biological Sciences (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Atkins, P. & de Paula, J. (2012) Physical Chemistry for the life sciences (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Macmillan.
Sotomayor, J. (2003) Cinética Química. Lisboa: Lidel.
Atkins, P. (2001) The elements of physical chemistry (3rd ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Chang, R. (1981) Physical chemistry with applications to biological systems (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Macmillan.
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