Subject description for 2020/21
Chemistry and Biophysics
KJ103F
Subject description for 2020/21

Chemistry and Biophysics

KJ103F
Basic general/inorganic chemistry, basic biophysics, basic organic chemistry, selected topics in basic biochemistry.

Knowledge The student:

  • Has knowledge of the properties of elements (including the periodic table), salts and molecules in inorganic and organic chemistry, including the most important biochemical substance classes.
  • Has knowledge of the rules for naming compounds in organic and inorganic chemistry.
  • Has knowledge of the most important reaction types in inorganic chemistry (mainly aqueous solutions) and organic chemistry.
  • Is familiar with the modeling of transport processes in the body of animals, including blood circulation and respiration.
  • Has knowledge of the non-ionising and ionising radiation and their interactions with biological systems
  • Can update his/her knowledge in the fields of Chemistry and Biophysics.

Skills The student

  • Can calculate reaction yields, concentrations and pH (both strong and weak acids and bases, and mixtures of acids and bases including buffers).
  • Can apply theoretical knowledge to the performance of simple laboratory tasks.
  • Can understand the physical principles of experimental methods, with main focus on imaging diagnostics.
  • Can reflect upon their observations obtained after performing basic chemistry and biophysics laboratory techniques.
  • Can scientifically report, using proper scientific terminology, results obtained from basic chemistry experiments.

General competence The student:

  • Has knowledge and understanding of the risks when working in a chemistry laboratory.
  • Can communicate results and theories in writing.
  • Can exchange opinions with fellow students and work alone, or as part of a group.
No tuition fees. Costs for semester registration, course literature and calculator apply.
Compulsory: Joint Bachelor Degree in Animal Science

The course consists of a chemistry part and a biophysics part. There will be a portfolio both in the chemistry part and in the biophysics part.

The chemistry part of KJ103F will be given by the course coordinator as lectures combined with theoretical exercises, laboratory exercises and compulsory theory excercises. Basic chemistry knowlegde are prerequisite, but all students are expected to follow teaching in the basic topics given for other study programmes, including assignments in the basic topics.

The biophysics part of KJ103F will be given as video presentations, textbook and discussions by the responsible lecturer in biophysics from our partner university UVMP in Kosice, Slovakia.

For the biophysics part: The students have to perform weekly tests. Twelve tests will be given (one each week), and the student has to pass at least two of the first three tests, then two of the next three tests and so on, in total at least 8 out of 12 tests, but spread evenly over the whole semester/all topics.

One week in the the semester, the lecturer from UVMP will come to Bodø. During this week, the lecturer will teach three days, four hours each day . Depending of the difficulties in the learning process, these hours could be lectures, discussions, summaries of topics, etc. (more details to be presented at the course start).

Evaluation using mid-term and final surveys. Students are also encouraged to participate in the central quality surveys.

Compound evaluation, grading scale: letter grades (A-F)

  • Compulsory participation in 2 lab exercises and performing the required lab operation, comprises 0/100 of the grade; grading scale: Approved / Not approved.
  • Theory assignments; comprise 0/100 of the grade; grading scale: Approved / Not approved. (The approval criterion is at least 40/100 for each assignment.)
  • 2 lab reports, comprising 0/100 of the grade; grading scale: Approved / Not approved.
  • Biophysics - at least 8 out of 12 tests must be passed, comprising 0/100 of the grade; grading scale: Approved / Not approved.
  • Written Examination - Chemistry, 3 hours, comprises 50/100 of the grade, grading scale: Letter grades (A-F).
  • Written Examination - Biophysics, 3 hours, comprises 50/100 of the grade, grading scale: Letter grades (A-F).

  • Calculator Casio fx-82XXX (XXX may be letters, but not numbers)
  • "Periodensystem der Elemente"
  • Molecular model set