General Chemistry 1100-1BB02
The lecture covers selected fundamentals of chemistry necessary for understanding biological processes and systems. The course is not intended as a comprehensive general chemistry course; instead, it focuses on topics selected to support further study in biophysics.
Course content:
1. Basic chemical concepts and quantities: atomic and molecular masses, the mole, molar mass, Avogadro constant, concentration, fundamentals of stoichiometry
2. Models of atomic structure, electron configuration, periodic law
3. Molecular structure: chemical bonding, molecular geometry, intermolecular interactions
4. States of matter: ideal and real systems, phase transitions
5. Properties of electrolyte and non-electrolyte solutions
6. Acid–base reactions in aqueous solutions, pH and buffers
7. Oxidation–reduction reactions, precipitation and complex formation
8. Properties and biological significance of selected metals, nonmetals and their compounds
Note:
Depending on the pace of the course, the lecture may be supplemented with topics concerning water in biological systems and with selected fundamentals of thermochemistry, including the concepts of enthalpy and entropy, which are necessary for understanding the properties of water discussed in the course.
Prepared by Krystiana A. Krzyśko, 2026
Course coordinators
Term 2026Z: | Term 2025Z: |
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Learning outcomes
Basic knowledge of chemistry required for further study in biophysics; ability to use fundamental chemical concepts and quantities; understanding of the relationships between the structure and properties of substances and of the basic reactions occurring in aqueous solutions; knowledge of the chemical significance of selected elements and compounds in biological systems.
Assessment criteria
Written exam containing basic chemical calculations
Practical placement
None
Bibliography
Literature:
1. A. Bielański, Podstawy chemii nieorganicznej.
2. W. Kołos, Elementy chemii kwantowej sposobem niematematycznym wyłożone.
3. J. Fisher, J.R.P. Arnold, Chemia dla biologów. Krótkie wykłady.
4. Materials prepared by the lecturer.
Additional information
Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes: