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"Physical Chemistry for the Life Sciences" (PCLS) is designed to provide students of biology, molecular biology, biochemistry and biological chemistry with the foundations of physical chemistry relevant to the life sciences. The course will consist of three parts: thermodynamics, quantum mechanics and kinetics (rate processes). Within each subject area, the subjects will be presented in the context of specific examples drawn from the life sciences, including respiration, photosynthesis, ATP hydrolysis, active transport, vision, growth and decay processes, enzymatic hydrolysis and prebiotic evolution. The course is specifically designed to accomodate students with diverse backgrounds and preparations in mathematics. A basic review of all mathematical computational methods will be provided. Personal computers and the programs Mathematica and HyperChem will provide the basis for a systematic series of group learning projects designed to familiarize students with resonance phenomena, light scattering, diffusion, relaxation processes, and multistep kinetics. This course may also serve students of mathematics, physics and chemistry as an introduction to applications of their subject area in the life sciences.
COURSE FORMAT: Lecture
Level: GRAD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: NONE Grading Mode: Graded
Prerequisites: NONE
Last Updated on MAR-24-2000
Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459