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 measurement uncertainty for selected measurement methods

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

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

In this course, the students are expected to acquire in-depth knowledge and understanding of the experiences, reactions and coping strategies of patients and next of kin in connection with acute and/or critical illness and examinations, treatment and death. Emphasis is placed on understanding important patient phenomena including pain, anxiety, hope, suffering, quality of life and dignity in an age-related and multicultural perspective. Students are expected to further develop their self-understanding and improve their ability to interact with people who are acutely and/or critically ill. Knowledge gained through this course will form a necessary basis for students being able to provide guidance to patients and caregivers in relation to their experience of and reactions to acute and/or critical illness. This knowledge will also be necessary to enable students to process their own reactions to events and provide guidance to colleagues in relation to their experiences and reactions.

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 practical test in laboratory skills, up to 2 hours

Supervised individual written exam, 4 hours

• Book of tables and formulas in chemistry
• Alphanumeric/financial calculator with cleared memory. A digital calculator is available to the student during the exam

Grade scale A-F

Written home exam in groups of 3-4 students, 3 days. The students are to discuss a method or theory for coping with mental stress and the patient role in connection with acute and/or critical illness. Scope: 3,000 words (+/- 20%). The exam paper must be written in accordance with the section Assessment of written work in the Assessment chapter of the programme description.

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