Prerequisites
None
Course Objectives
The students will receive a basic introduction to the chemical processes which take place in living organisms. The main component is an introduction to organic chemistry, which will eventually lead to selected topics within biochemistry.
Learning Methods
Thirty hours of lectures.
Obligatory: 12 hour colloquium, 3 laboratory exercises (9 hours).
The instruction is given during the first half of the spring semester.
The assignments for the colloquium will be distributed before all the assignment topics are covered in the lectures. The students will subsequently be able to familiarise themselves with the material before the lectures are held. The lectures should therefore be regarded mainly as a recapitulation and explanation of the curriculum topics.
Course Description
Central themes:
 Organic chemistry: Various chemical substance groups such as hydrocarbons, alcohols, ethers, phenols, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids and esters
 Biochemistry: The structure of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Enzymes and enzyme inhibitors. Simple discussions of the breakdown of glucose in the body. The DNA molecule - structure and mechanism. Protein synthesis.
 Nuclear chemistry: Radioactive radiation, half-life
Assessment Methods
Final examination in the middle of the spring semester. The final examination must receive a passing grade.