04422 - General Chemistry

Course contents

Constitution and properties of matter. Atomic structure. Periodic system. Chemical bond. Nomenclature of inorganic compounds. States of matter. Acids and bases. Chemical reactions and stoichiometry. Solutions and their properties. Chemical kinetics. Chemical equilibrium. Homogeneous equilibria in aqueous solutions: self-dissociation of water, pH, pH of acid and base solutions; hydrolysis; pH buffers; amphoteric compounds. Heterogeneous equilibria and solubility product. Bases of thermodynamics applied to biological systems.

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching resources are represented by suggested books and materials made available on the web site https://virtuale.unibo.it/.

List of suggested books:

K.J. Denniston, J. J. Topping, R L. Caret: "Chimica generale, chimica organica, propedeutica biochimica", McGraw-Hill.
F.A. Bettelheim, W.H. Brown, M.K. Campbell, S.O. Farrel: "Chimica e Propedeutica Biochimica", EdiSES, Napoli.
T. Bellini: “Chimica medica e propedeutica biochimica”, Zanichelli editore, Bologna.
D. L. Nelson, M. M. Cox: "I principi di Biochimica di Lehninger", Zanichelli.
Bonaccorsi di Patti, Contestabile, Di Salvo (a cura di): “Metodologie biochimiche”, Zanichelli Editore, Bologna.
C. De Marco, C. Cini: "Principi di metodologia Biochimica", Piccin.

Teaching methods

Theoretical lessons; practicals.

Seminars could be requestedby students to deepen subjects of specific interest.

Assessment methods

1) Procedures concerning the evaluation of the students

The examination has to be taken with "Structural biochemistry II" and "Structural biochemistry I" exams. Score obtained in "Structural biochemistry II" is, in fact, part of the evaluation of the integrated Course "Chemistry and Structural biochemistry".
Referring "Structural biochemistry II" class, examination gazes at the achievement of the following skills:
o Ability in describing and recognizing structure of biomolecules, such as proteins and lipids, and in foreseeing their properties;
o Knowledge of principal functions of proteins and lipids, according to chemical-biological processes occurring in cells and animals organisms;
o Critical thinking, logical responding and problem talking over and solving.

The exam consists of an oral exam and of a discussion about a scientific essay, pertained to practicals.
- The oral exam aims at verifying the developed knowledge and the skills in applying them. Special attention is drawn to critical and logical thinking and to properly explaining skills.
- The scientific essay, briefly discussed during the exam, aims at pointing out skills in processing knowledge and data and in communicating information.

2) Procedures concerning the booking and dates of exam sessions
Students can book exam only through online procedure at web site AlmaEsami: https://almaesami.unibo.it/almaesami/welcome.htm.

- Exams can be carried out outside lectures period for in-course students and throughout all Academic Year for out-of-course students.
- Student who fails the examination may take it again at least three weeks after the previous attempt.

Teaching tools

Projector, slides, computer, laboratories and instruments.

Office hours

See the website of Fabiana Trombetti