Code: BIOL-151
Semester: Β 
Course Type: Core
ECTS units: 6
Hours per week: Theory-4 hours 

Instructor

Lecturer: George J. Tserevelakis
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Description

Objectives of the course (preferably expressed in terms of learning outcomes and competences

The purpose of this course is the study of the physical phenomena observed in chemical systems, aiming to familiarize students with the fundamental principles of thermodynamics, quantum theory and molecular spectroscopy as regards the structure and function of biological systems. The course targets at the development of critical thinking, creating the foundations for an effective and creative attendance of the core and elective courses during the next semesters.

Following the successful completion of the course, the students will be able to

  • Understand the thermodynamic laws, the concepts of entropy, enthalpy and Gibbs energy, placing emphasis on applications related to biological systems.
  • Explain and interpret the structure and the properties of biological molecules by means of quantum theory.
  • Know the fundamental physical principles and applications of the most important spectroscopic techniques used in biology.

Course contents:

  1. Introduction (Atoms, ions, molecules, Bonding and nonbonding interactions, States of matter, Energy forms, Boltzmann distribution).
  2. Biochemical thermodynamics (The first law, Conservation of energy, Internal energy and enthalpy, Physical and chemical changes, The second law, Gibbs energy, The thermodynamics of transition, Phase transition in biological molecules, Thermodynamic description of mixtures, Colligative properties, Thermodynamics of ion and electron transport, Ions in solution, Passive and active transport of ions across biological membranes, Ion channels and ion pumps).
  3. Biomolecular structure (Microscopic systems and quantization, Principles of quantum theory, Applications of quantum theory in simple systems, Hydrogenic atoms, The structure of many-electron atoms, The chemical bond, Molecular orbital theory, Homonuclear and heteronuclear molecules, Techniques for the study of macromolecules (ultracentrifugation, mass spectrometry, laser light scattering, X-ray crystallography, Interactions between partial charges, Dipole moments, Hydrogen bonding, Applications in proteins and nucleic acids).
  4. Biochemical spectroscopy (General features of optical spectroscopy, Vibrational spectra, Ultraviolet and visible spectra, Fluorescence and phosphorescence, Principles of magnetic resonance NMR, The information in NMR spectra, Pulse techniques in NMR).