CHEM10010

Source: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=MODULE&MODULE=CHEM10010&TERMCODE=202500&ACYR=2026 Parent: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=COURSE&MAJR=UAS1&AUDIENCE=

Academic Year 2025/2026

Print

Introduction to the Chemistry of Biomolecules (CHEM10010)

Subject: : Chemistry

College: : Science

School: : Chemistry

Level: : 1 (Introductory)

Credits: : 5

Module Coordinator: : Dr Aniello Palma

Trimester: : Spring

Mode of Delivery: : On Campus

Internship Module: : No

How will I be graded? : Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The module initially covers the simple chemical functional groups that are found in bio-molecules, (alkane, alkene, alcohol amine, carboxylic acid, ester, amide), their systematic naming and some of their common reactions (acid/base, oxidation/reduction, condensation/hydrolysis). Then the focus will switch to the common bio-molecules themselves (carbohydrates, fats, proteins, DNA/RNA) with a description of their structure, how they are formed and their reactions with water. Later parts of the module will deal with how and why these chemical reactions occur in terms of their energetics and rates. Finally the acidity of certain of these molecules will be discussed. Students should note that they must achieve a minimum of 40% in the practical component of this Module in order to pass the module as a whole.

About this Module

Open All Close All

What will I learn?

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module the student will be able to draw the structures of simple compounds from their systematic name and name compounds from their structures; identify the reaction products from simple chemical reactions (acid/base, oxidation/reduction, condensation/hydrolysis). They will also be able to recognise and discuss the structures of the common bio-molecules (carbohydrates, fats, proteins, DNA/RNA) and know how they are formed in Nature and how they are broken down by reaction with water. They will also be able to analyse the energetics and rates of such reactions, especially the hydrolysis and acid/base reactions.

Indicative Module Content:

Basic Organic Chemistry: Structures and Reactions\ Key Biological Molecules: Fats, Carbohydrates, Proteins and Nucleic Acids\ Basic Physical Chemistry: Why Biological Reactions Happen

How will I learn?

Student Effort Hours:

\

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:

The key approaches to teaching and learning are through the delivery of lectures, completion of tutorials and laboratories

Am I eligible to take this module?

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Learning Requirements:\

Leaving Certificate Chemistry Grade C Hons or Introductory Chemistry (CHEM00020 or CHEM00010)

Learning Exclusions:\

CHEM10030, CHEM10050, CHEM10060, CHEM10070, CHEM10090

\

Module Requisites and Incompatibles

Incompatibles:\ CHEM10030 - Chemistry for Engineers, CHEM10050 - Basis of Organic & Biol Chem, CHEM10060 - Phys & Inorg Chem, CHEM10070 - General & Physical Chemistry, CHEM10090 - Organic Chemistry (Med)\ \ \  \

How will I be assessed?

Assessment Strategy

\

Carry forward of passed components

Yes

\

What happens if I fail?

Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. \

Assessment feedback

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment\ • Group/class feedback, post-assessment\

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback on Tutorial homework and tests is built into Tutorial classes Mid-Term Test class feedback via the lectures and individually to students Practicals Feedback is individually to students fortnightly during Lab classes

Associated Staff

When is this module offered?

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.

Print this page