Bioinorganic Chemistry

General characterization

Prerequisites

Available soon

Bibliography

Robert Crichton “Biological Inorganic Chemistry: An Introduction”, 2007, 1ª edição, Elsevier Science

Ana M. V. Cavaleiro “Química Inorgânica Básica”, 2004, 3ª edição, Universidade de Aveiro

Raymond Chang and Kenneth A. Goldsby, “Chemistry”, 2012, McGraw-Hill, N.Y., 11ª edição 

Patricia C. Wilkins, Ralph G. Wilkins “Inorganic Chemistry in Biology”, Oxford Chemistry Primers, 2002, 2ª edição, Oxford University Press

 J. J. R. Fraústo da Silva, R. J. P. Williams “The biological chemistry of the elements: the inorganic chemistry of life”, 2001, 2ª edição, Oxford University Press

José J. G. Moura, Nuno Palma “Introdução à química da vida: caderno de adequação ao ensino à distância”, 1995, 1ª edição, Universidade Aberta

Teaching method

Theoretical, practical and experimental teaching:

- TP: In these classes, the teacher makes an oral presentation of the syllabus with the support of slides and solving application exercises. There will also be 3 sessions for solving exercises, with a reduced number of students (1 or 2 shifts simultaneously).

- P: Total of 4 experimental work (3h session) in groups of 2-3 students. The teacher will be present to support and help resolve the questionnaire, which must be delivered at the end of each practical class.

The protocols and quizzes for the practical work are available on the CLIP and Moodle course pages

Evaluation method

1- The frequency of the UC is obtained taking into account:

a) carrying out all practical assignments with positive information.

b) Realization with a positive evaluation of the Questionnaire solved in group and delivered at the end of each class.

Students with attendance from previous years are exempt from laboratory classes, / delivery of questionnaires

2- The assessment includes several components:

a) Carrying out 3 tests that include a theoretical component and a practical component (questions about the practical work carried out).

If the student obtains frequency to the practical component, the final grade of the TESTS component (T) will be calculated as the average of the 3 assessment tests. There is no minimum grade in each test, but the minimum average to pass is 9.5. Failure to take any of the tests implies a score of zero.

This component has a weight of 75% in the final grade.

If the student does not pass the tests, this component can be performed in the Resource Exam: students with a classification (test average) below 9.5 and attendance to the subject will be evaluated with an exam including all the material. In this Appeal Exam, students who have passed tests can improve the entire subject, by registering the grade improvement (academic services).

b) Practical grade: evaluation of the questionnaires (which will have to have a final grade >9.5, to obtain frequency) of the practical classes.

This component has a weight of 15% in the final grade

c) Carrying out mini-tests for (self-)assessment and preparation of practical classes and/or monitoring of the subject taught.

The mini-tests will be carried out through the Moodle digital platform.

This component has a weight of 10% in the final grade.

3- Final grade calculation = (T x0.75) + (Q x0.15) + (MT x0.10)

Subject matter

• Introduction to Bioinorganic Chemistry
• Chemical Reactions stoichiometry
• Nomenclature and isomerism in coordination complexes
• Chemical bonding in coordination compounds (HSAB theory)
• Reactivity in coordination compound; Substitution reaction; Inert and labile compounds; Reactions mechanisms
• Complexation equilibria; parcial and global stability constants; effect of pH and presence of other ligands
• Magnetism and color in coordination compounds; Cristal field Theory
• Oxidation-reduction reactions: Galvanic cell; Balance of redox equilibria; Nernst equation; effect of pH and complex formation; Latimer and Frost diagrams and its application to biological systems
• Metal centers of proteins and enzymes; role of metal ions in biological systems.

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: