CHEM 225 Physical Chemistry for Biosciences presents the basic concepts of chemical thermodynamics and kinetics that apply to biological systems. Students will explore why gases would behave differently at different conditions (e.g. deep sea diving, high altitude, other planets), how ideal engines function, why some reactions spontaneous, how do we explain the effect of salting roads in winter, how batteries and our metabolism generate energy, how kinetics is related to thermodynamics (why diamonds do not break down into graphene) and how we use of spectroscopy to explore biological structures. In the laboratory, quantitative properties of systems are measured, to illustrate the theory discussed in lectures.
Prerequisites: CHEM 125 and MATH 101 both with a minimum grade of 60%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 90 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Predict how gases behave under different conditions
- Track the flow of heat during biological processes, and understand the basic laws of thermodynamics
- Assess realistic problems using both thermodynamics and kinetics
- Interpret structure of simple biological molecules using spectroscopy
- Assess the effect of temperature on reaction rates, apply transition state theory and be able to combine rate laws for chemical reactions
- Connect concepts in lectures with experiments performed in physical chemistry lab
- Quantify the effect of catalysis and enzymes in our daily life
- Exhibit respect for colleagues, punctuality, willingness to think independently, and pride in presentation of work
Teaching and Learning Approach
The lectures in this course focus on the introduction of concepts and connecting concepts to real world
situations. Students will be encouraged to use problem-solving strategies developed in previous courses to new
situations. Students are encouraged to participate in class via in-class assignments.
The lab provides opportunities to develop hands-on skills and to reinforce the concepts introduced in lectures.Learning Resources
Required:
Roussel, M. (2012). A Life Scientist's Guide to Physical Chemistry. Cambridge University Press.
Da Costa, J. (2024). Chemistry 225 Laboratory Manual. Selkirk College Bookstore.
University Laboratory NotebookDetailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Introduction: What is physical chemistry?
2. Chemical Kinetics
3. Complex reactions
4. Enzyme Kinetics
5. Chemical Kinetics cont.
6. Review quantum mechanics
7. Spectroscopy
8. First Law of Thermodynamics
9. Second and Third Law of Thermodynamics
10. Chemical equilibria
11. Electrochemistry
12. ExamAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
|---|
| Quizzes (8 @ 2.5% each, see schedule) | 1-5, 7-8 | 20% |
| Midterm Tests (2 @15% each, see schedule) | 1-5,7-8 | 30% |
| Final Exam (see schedule) | 1-8 | 30% |
| Lab | 6, 8 | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.