Course Overview: Organic and Biological Chemistry (CHM1003)

Introduction

This course provides foundational knowledge in organic and biological chemistry, focusing on the structure, properties, and reactions of key organic compounds relevant to health sciences. Students will explore the chemistry of hydrocarbons, functional groups, and biomolecules, and develop skills in chemical nomenclature, reaction mechanisms, and laboratory analysis.

Topics and Concepts Covered

• Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Alkanes

• Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds

• Alcohols, Phenols, Thiols, and Ethers

• Aldehydes and Ketones

• Carboxylic Acids and Esters

• Lipids

• Amines

• Amino Acids and Proteins

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

1. Classification and Structure of Organic Compounds

• Functional Groups: Identify and classify organic compounds based on functional groups such as alkene, alkyne, haloalkane, aromatic, alcohol, thiol, ether, aldehyde, ketone, carboxylic acid, ester, amine, and amide.

• Biomolecules: Recognize amino acids and components of biomolecules (e.g., phospholipids, cholesterol, unsaturated fatty acids) by their functional groups.

• Example: Classifying ethanol as a primary alcohol due to its structure: .

2. Chemical Nomenclature and Notation

• IUPAC Naming: Write IUPAC names and structural formulas for saturated, unsaturated, linear, and cyclic hydrocarbons.

• Common Names: Recognize common names for alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, phenols, and thiols.

• Aromatic Compounds: Describe resonance in benzene and draw structures for aromatic compounds.

• Amines: Identify amines as primary, secondary, or tertiary based on their structure.

• Example: Benzene resonance structure: with alternating double bonds.

3. Organic Reactions and Mechanisms

• Addition Reactions: Represent hydrogenation of alkenes and alkynes using structural formulas.

• Hydration and Dehydration: Show the formation of alcohols from alkenes (hydration) and the reverse (dehydration).

• Condensation Reactions: Describe the formation of ethers and esters via condensation of alcohols and acids.

• Oxidation Reactions: Illustrate the oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids.

• Metabolism: Introduce the oxidation sequence: alcohol → aldehyde → carboxylic acid → carbon dioxide.

• Peptide Bond Formation: Describe peptide bond formation between amino acids via condensation.

• Example: Hydration of ethene to ethanol: .

4. Isomerism in Organic Compounds

• Structural Isomers: Compounds with the same molecular formula but different connectivity.

• Functional Isomers: Compounds with the same formula but different functional groups.

• Geometric Isomers: (cis/trans) Isomers due to restricted rotation around double bonds.

• Example: Butene has two geometric isomers: cis-2-butene and trans-2-butene.

5. Biological, Medical, and Environmental Significance

• Alcohol Classification: Primary, secondary, tertiary alcohols and their solubility/uses in drug formulations.

• Biomolecule Structure-Function: Hydrophilic/hydrophobic regions in phospholipids and their biological roles.

• Polymers: Formation of biological (proteins, starch) and synthetic (polyethylene) polymers from monomers.

• Hydrocarbons: Uses as solvents and fuels related to their physical and chemical properties.

• Carboxylic Acids: Chain length affects water solubility.

• Example: Short-chain carboxylic acids (e.g., acetic acid) are more soluble in water than long-chain acids.

6. Laboratory Skills and Data Analysis

• Experimental Design: Explain the purpose and procedures of laboratory experiments.

• Data Interpretation: Analyze results and compare with expected outcomes.

• Scientific Reporting: Write laboratory reports in correct scientific format.

Course Delivery and Evaluation

Delivery Methods

• Hybrid (combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning)

• Lectures, labs, in-class exercises, and eLearning components

Evaluation Plan

Grading Scheme

Essential Employability Skills

• Communication: Clear written, spoken, and visual communication

• Critical Thinking: Systematic problem-solving

• Information Management: Organizing and evaluating information

• Personal Management: Time and resource management, responsibility

Additional Information

• Textbook: Timberlake, General, Organic and Biological Chemistry, 6th ed. (Recommended)

• Hybrid learning environment with BYOD policy

• Support services: Academic Success Centre, Library, Accessibility Services, etc.

• Policies: Academic integrity, copyright, equity, and privacy