CHEM 468
Biophysical Chemistry
Chemistry and Biochemistry
College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Course Description
Applications of physical chemistry to biological systems. Spectroscopic applications, computational methods, structural biochemistry, thermodynamics, equilibria, statistical mechanics, transport properties, kinetics, quantum mechanics.
When Taught
Winter
Grade Rule
Grade Rule 8: A, B, C, D, E, I (Standard grade rule)
Min
3
Fixed
3
Fixed
3
Fixed
0
Note
For biochemistry (BS) majors and those interested in the health professions or biochemistry.
Title
Fundamental Concepts in Four Principal Areas
Learning Outcome
Describe conceptually the fundamental concepts in the four principal areas of physical chemistry: classical thermodynamics, statistical thermodynamics kinetics and quantum mechanics
Title
Define and Manipulate Concepts Mathematically
Learning Outcome
Define mathematically the concepts outlined in 1) and manipulate the fundamental and derived equations associated with these concepts
Title
Use Skills to Calculate or Predict Conditions
Learning Outcome
Use the above skills to calculate or predict the equilibrium conditions or direction of spontaneous biochemical processes that are involved in metabolism or energy transfer events given appropriate thermodynamic data and initial system conditions
Title
Mathematical and Graphical Techniques
Learning Outcome
Employ mathematical and graphical techniques on enzyme kinetic data to extract key parameters and to identify inhibition mechanisms
Title
Solve Schroedinger Equation Problems
Learning Outcome
Solve simple Schroedinger equation problems (e.g., particle in a box), identify boundary conditions, and explain the significance of boundary conditions on the observance of quantized effects
Title
Predictions of Behavior
Learning Outcome
Relate the simple Hamiltonians from above to biological molecules and systems and generalize from the simple results to make predictions regarding behavior in the biological systems
Title
Nature of Electronic Energy Levels
Learning Outcome
Identify the nature of electronic energy levels in key photoactive biological molecules and use spectroscopic data to probe these levels
Title
Apply Concepts to Photosynthesis and Vision
Learning Outcome
Apply fundamental concepts of electronic structure and reaction kinetics to the steps in photosynthesis and vision
Title
Physical Chemistry Perspectives Lead to Deeper Understanding
Learning Outcome
Provide examples in which physical chemistry perspectives have enabled a deeper more complete understanding of the structure and function of biological molecules and complex biological systems
