Biophysical Chemistry

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Cursusdoel

After completing the course students are able to:
  1. Demonstrate a good understanding of concepts in thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, chemistry kinetics and catalysis and apply them in the characterization of biochemical systems and biochemical reactions in aqueous medium.
  2. Explain and apply the main principles of quantum mechanics and statistical thermodynamics and relate these to microscopic and macroscopic descriptions of biochemical systems and processes.
  3. Demonstrate a basic understanding of selected spectroscopic methods and their application in biochemistry, biology and medicine.
  4. Critically read and interpret a scientific article.
  5. Communicate and work collaboratively with peers in a small group setting to critically assess and report on state-of-the-art literature.

Relationship between tests and course goals:

Description of assignment Assesses which learning goals?
  1. Midterm exam
  2. Final exam
  3. Literature review and presentation
  4. Homework exercises
  5. Participation
 1
2
3-5
1-3
1-5

Vakinhoudelijk

In Biophysical Chemistry we cover fundamental physical-chemistry principles and their application to the description of biochemical and biological systems. Key topics addressed here include thermodynamics of biochemical systems, enzyme kinetics, and computational and spectroscopic methods in biology and medicine.
We will discuss concepts such as intra- and intermolecular bonding, phase equilibrium and chemical potential and use these to explain, for example, how the structure of biological macromolecules largely determines their function, or how the interplay between energy and entropy drives molecular self-assembly and replication. This knowledge, developed at the intersection between chemistry, physics and biology, is necessary to understand phenomena like membrane formation and neuron communication on a fundamental level. It also forms the basis of the development of new enzymes or drugs, for example.
The course is designed with both chemistry and biology students in mind, including those with an interest in biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, or pharmacology. Physics and medicine students interested in exploring the fundamental principles underlying biological processes will also find this course very useful.

Format
The course is organized in 3 parts. The first section (5 weeks) is devoted to the discussion of biomolecular structure, biochemical thermodynamics and equilibrium, bioelectrochemistry and chemical kinetics in the context of enzyme catalysis. This is followed by a second section (5 weeks) where the basic principles of quantum mechanics and statistical thermodynamics are used as a basis to describe key spectroscopic techniques (e.g. vibrational, rotational, and electronic spectroscopy, NMR and X-Ray diffraction, mass spectrometry) and computational methods, and discuss how these can be used to elucidate the structure and function of biomolecules. In the final part of the course, we will combine the knowledge gathered in sections I and II and discuss examples of how spectroscopic techniques and computational tools have contributed, for example, to unraveling the function of complex biological systems and helped solving challenging problems in biochemistry, biology, and medicine. This will be done by reviewing scientific articles and exploring the capabilities of molecular modelling with simple applied exercises.

Werkvormen

UCU SCI 2 course

Toetsing

Participation

Verplicht | Weging 10% | ECTS 0,75

Homework exercises

Verplicht | Weging 10% | ECTS 0,75

Literature review and presentation

Verplicht | Weging 20% | ECTS 1,5

*midterm FEEDBACK*

Niet verplicht

Mid-term exam

Verplicht | Weging 30% | ECTS 2,25

Final exam

Verplicht | Weging 30% | ECTS 2,25

Ingangseisen en voorkennis

Ingangseisen

Er moet voldaan zijn aan de cursus:

Voorkennis

Secondary school knowledge of Mathematics is required. This could be acquired in IB HL Math, Dutch VWO "Wiskunde B" or similar "Calculus and Algebra" courses from a foreign high school. Or take the UCACCMAT01 course. Secondary school knowledge of biology is recommended. This could be acquired in IB HL Biology, Dutch VWO biology, A-level biology (UK), AP level biology (USA and Canada) or a final exam in Biology in any other high school qualification. Or take the UCSCIBIO01 course.

Voertalen

  • Engels

Competenties

  • Academisch schrijven
  • Kritisch lezen
  • Onderzoeksvaardigheden
  • Presenteren
  • Samenwerken

Cursusmomenten

Gerelateerde studies

Tentamens

Er is geen tentamenrooster beschikbaar voor deze cursus

Verplicht materiaal

Materiaal Omschrijving
BOEK Atkins, Peter, et al. Physical Chemistry for the Life Sciences, (3rd Edition). Oxford University Press Academic UK, 2023. ISBN 978-0198830108

Aanbevolen materiaal

Er is geen informatie over de aanbevolen literatuur bekend

Coördinator

dr. M. Barroso m.barroso@uu.nl

Docenten

dr. M. Barroso m.barroso@uu.nl
dr. C.A. van Walree c.a.vanwalree@uu.nl

Inschrijving

Let op: deze cursus is niet toegankelijk voor studenten van andere faculteiten, bijvakkers mogen zich dus niet inschrijven.

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