BIOB1100 Chemistry - The Basis for Biomedical Analysis Course description

The course focuses on fundamental chemistry and the content will be presented in the context of biomedical laboratory science. An introduction is also given to chemical analysis principles that are relevant for biomedical analyses and that are seen in conjunction with quality assurance of analysis results. Laboratory-practical aspects, including safety, will be elucidated in the laboratory sessions. Knowledge of chemistry is also an important basis for understanding subjects such as physiology, biochemistry, cell biology and molecular genetics later in the programme.

The student must have been admitted to the study programme.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence: 

Knowledge 

The student

• can explain the structure of atoms and how the properties of the elements are decided by electron configurations
• can explain the chemical structure of molecules, ions and metals by looking at the most important types of chemical bonding
• can explain the reactivity of substances based on thermodynamic and kinetic principles
• can explain the classification of substances in organic chemistry and how the different substances react
• can explain the chemical and physical principles behind key chemical analysis methods
• can explain basic terms in measurement uncertainty

Skills 

The student 

• can convert units of measurement relating to mass, volume, temperature, amount and concentration of substances
• can name molecules and ionic bonds
• can conduct fundamental stoichiometric calculations and equilibrium calculations in chemical reactions
• can make the necessary calculations to create solutions with the desirable concentration
• has fundamental skills in practical laboratory work, including the correct use of weights and volumetric equipment
• can create control charts (Shewhart charts) and assess control results

General competence

The student

• can identify the connection between fundamental chemistry and biomedical analysis methods
• can describe safety procedures and handling chemicals in a responsible manner

The course consists of the following subject areas, specified below as the number of credits:

• General chemistry: 7.5 credits
• Chemical analysis principles: 2 credits
• Quality assurance: 0.5 credits

The work and teaching methods consist of lectures, thesis seminars, laboratory work and self-study.

The practical part of the course focuses on student-active learning forms, where the students themselves organise the day at the laboratory and assess their own results in an independent manner.

Digital learning resources are used in the course in the form of video lectures, digital tests and practical exercises. 

In order to be permitted to take the exam, the following must have been approved: 

• a minimum of 90 per cent attendance in laboratory teaching
• two (2) individual digital tests
• individual written test in laboratory skills, up to 2 hours

Supervised individual written exam, 4 hours

Book of tables and formulas in chemistry, calculator.

Grade scale A-F

All exam papers are assessed by two examiners. A minimum of twenty per cent of the exam papers will be assessed by an external examiner. The external examiner’s assessment shall benefit all students.

7 credits overlap with the course BIO1100 Fundamentals of Biomedical: Analysis - Chemistry, Analytical Techniques and Statistics