Chemistry in Life 100

Course aim

To introduce students to the basic principles of physical, organic and inorganic chemistry in the context of
life and to provide students with a variety of practical experiences in analysis of a range of samples,
including foods.

Course content

The content of this course is presented in the context of questions relating to the composition and function of chemicals in life and foods. Atoms, atomic properties, the Periodic Table, ionic bonding, physical properties of salt, the functions of salts in foods. Acid-base theory, definitions of pH, calculations of pH, ionisation constants, strong and weak acids, buffers, concentration and functions of acids in foods. Gases, properties of gases, the ideal gas law, measuring gas and gas pressures in carbonated and fermented beverages. Chemical reactions; energy, heat of reactions, energy value in foods. Stoichiometry, moles and molar mass, percentage composition, measuring concentrations of solutes in foods. Molecular structures, covalent bonding, shape and polarity of molecules, description and comparative strengths of intermolecular forces. Colligative properties. Structure and isomerism in carbon compounds, functional groups, introductions to alkanes, aldehydes, alcohols, organic acids and esters. Sugar and carbohydrate chemistry. Fatty acids and lipids. The chemistry of nutrients and macromolecules. Reaction rates, reaction orders, effect of temperature and concentration on reaction rates, activation energy, effect of catalysts, enzymes, enzymes in the digestive system, the roles of enzymes in foods, applications.

Textbook(s)

Timberlake, K.C., General 2012, Organic and Biological Chemistry: Structures of Life, -, Pearson Education Inc., -

Prerequisite(s)

Nil

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Component	Duration
INTERNAL, CITY EAST
Lecture	3 hours x 13 weeks
Tutorial	1 hour x 13 weeks
Practical	3 hours x 10 weeks

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Introductory Practical Project, Tutorial Quiz, Written examination, Written Test

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 2)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
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Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.