BSc Minor Molecular Life Sciences

Continue to an overview of the minor

Profile

Preparation for and admission to the MSc Molecular Life Sciences.

Biomolecules and understanding their properties are key factors in unravelling cellular processes. This minor focusses relating on molecular properties to understanding macroscopic processes.

In fact, processes inside cells can only be understood well if you understand what is happening between molecules. Why do water and alcohol mix, while water and oil do not mix? Models and theories derived to understand properties of these simple molecules can also be applied to more complex molecules like DNA and proteins. Or parts of proteins. Using fundamental laws from chemical thermodynamics you can find out why reactions can take place or not. The models that are used are not always simple. Therefore you need a thorough mathematical background.

To study molecules, all kinds of analytical methods are needed. Attention is given to the analysis of e.g. preservatives drugs, sugars and pollutants using a variety of chromatographic techniques and capillary electrophoresis. Structural analysis of organic compounds is carried out by using spectroscopy. Special emphasis is placed on the reactions in both nature and the laboratory of life's four major classes of biomolecules; nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. Reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry are the central topics. In other words: what is the relation between the 3D structure of molecules and their reactivity? With this knowledge one can design new molecules and ways to synthesise these molecules. It is e.g the basis to develop new medicines. This BSc minor is a programme minor.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this minor students are expected to be able to:

• clarify, explain, interpret and apply concepts from organic chemistry;
• apply concepts from chemistry and physics, handle and derive formulas, do calculations, analyse and solve theoretical problems in the fields like organic chemistry, biochemistry, thermodynamics and spectroscopy;
• apply scientific experimental methods in the various fields of chemical sciences;
• explain the relationships between structure and reactivity of biomolecules;
• process, present and discuss collected data, both orally and in writing.

Target group

This minor is interesting for WU-students of the BSc programmes BBI, BES, BPW and BSW who seek admission to the MSc Molecular Life Sciences. It is also interesting for students from other universities (or universities of applied sciences) who are interested to prepare for the MSc Molecular Life Sciences.

Language

Dutch and English

Semester

First semester (period 1, 2 and 3)

Programme or thematic

Programme minor