Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

by Adam Le Gresley, PhD, Kevin Ahern, PhD, Georgina Cornwall, PhD u.a.

Chemistry and physics are the most modern iterations of the process of striving to understand the nature of matter utilizing the scientific method. They are complementary to one another, taking different approaches to explain complex structures and systems in the natural world. Often, the fields overlap or reinforce each other when exploring a particular problem or system. This is particularly true with regard to biological systems, especially the human body.

Chemistry is the branch of science that focuses on the study of matter, its composition and properties, and the reactions that occur to form new compounds. Owing to its complexity, this branch of science is subdivided into biochemistry and organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry. Physics, meanwhile, is the branch of science that focuses on the study of the fundamental properties of matter and energy. Both fields are vast, with multiple subfields. For biological systems, the subfields of biochemistry and biophysics provide explanations of the molecules that make up organic material and living tissues, and how these come together to carry out different functions to ensure survival.

In this course, the student will be introduced to the core concepts of chemistry and physics required for medical school. For optimal comprehension, the student is expected to have at least a high-school level of understanding of both subjects. Chemistry is a prerequisite for understanding biochemistry, a basic science in medical education, integrated with molecular biology, cell biology, and, later, pharmacology. A solid understanding of physics is also key for grasping the applied concepts of biophysics encountered in human physiology. Examples of these concepts include the fluid mechanics of blood flow, bioelectricity in membrane potentials, bioenergetics and thermodynamics in the packaging of energy in the form of ATP, and exothermic reactions that break down ATP.

Course Details

  • Videos 260
  • Duration 23:27 h
  • Quiz questions 818
  • Concept Pages 40

Content

Your Educators of course Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

 Adam Le Gresley, PhD

Adam Le Gresley, PhD

Dr. Adam Le Gresley is Professor of Organic Chemistry within the Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Kingston University in London, United Kingdom.
He obtained his PhD in supramolecular organic chemistry from the University of Surrey in 2004, and undertook his postdoctoral research on photolabile compounds at Drexel College of Medicine in Philadelphia, USA. Currently, he is Director of Research and Enterprise of the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry at Kingston University. An experienced lecturer, Dr. Le Gresley has been teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students at Kingston University since 2009.
Within Lecturio, Dr. Le Gresley teaches courses on Chemistry.

 Kevin Ahern, PhD

Kevin Ahern, PhD

Dr. Kevin Ahern is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at Oregon State University (OSU), USA.
He obtained his PhD in Biochemistry from Oregon State University. Currently, he teaches courses for health sciences students at OSU.
He is co-author of three Open Educational electronic textbooks on Biochemistry and a Guide to Getting Into Medical School.
Due to his achievements, he earned OSU’s highest teaching recognition, the Elizabeth P. Ritchie Distinguished Professor Award in 2017.
Within Lecturio, Dr. Ahern teaches courses on Biochemistry and on "How to Get into Medical School”.

 Georgina Cornwall, PhD

Georgina Cornwall, PhD

Dr. Georgina Cornwall is a Biology Instructor and currently works as an Instructional Designer in the private sector, developing interactive online training materials.
She obtained her PhD in Environmental, Population, and Organismic Biology at the University of Colorado, USA, in 2000, and has since taught a broad array of biology courses at various US universities.
She is an active promoter of hybrid/online teaching formats and interactive courses, and has received several awards for her engaging and innovative course design; e.g., she was named Adjunct Faculty of the Year at Colorado Mountain College in Aspen twice.
Within Lecturio, Dr. Cornwall teaches courses on Biology & Genetics.

 Thad Wilson, PhD

Thad Wilson, PhD

Dr. Thad E. Wilson is a Professor and Director of Education in the Department of Physiology at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, USA.
He obtained his PhD from the University of Utah, Salt Lake City.
Not only is he an experienced lecturer with many years of teaching experience, but he has also developed and improved medical curriculums, and served in leadership roles directing Medical Physiology and various organ system courses.
Due to his achievements, Dr. Wilson has been awarded multiple institutional and national medical school teaching awards.
Within Lecturio, Dr. Wilson teaches courses on Physiology.

 Jared Rovny, PhD

Jared Rovny, PhD

Dr. Jared Rovny has been a Lecturer at Yale University in Connecticut, USA since 2013.
He obtained his PhD in Physics from Yale University in 2019. He was awarded the D. Allan Bromley Graduate Fellowship in Physics in 2019 and the Princeton Quantum Institute Postdoctoral Fellow in 2020.
Currently, he works with Yale's Center for Teaching and Learning at Yale University.
Due to his achievements, he earned the Yale College Prize Teaching Fellowship for his work in PHYS 171 (University Physics for the Life Sciences).
Within Lecturio, Dr. Rovny teaches courses on Physics.


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Simplemente, me encantó
By Avril L. on 01. March 2024 for Background of Enzymatic Reactions – Enzyme Catalysis

Me encantó como lo ha explicado, paso a paso, de manera detallada y concisa. He aprendido mucho gracias a este video, ¡gracias!

 
buen video introductorio
By olol . on 27. February 2024 for Overview – Introduction to Chemistry

me gusta el video por el ritmo que maneja y dar la idea que la química es importante

 
Great teacher.
By Mariana . on 25. January 2024 for Bernoulli's Equation: Example

Professor Jared is a great teacher, he remains so calm and collected while explaining physics that really reassure us in our struggles with the subject. Highly recommend.

 
Excellent lecture!
By Mariana . on 08. January 2024 for Pressure: Example

I'm so glad that am starting to learn physics with professor Jared, he's excellent. I used to use youtube and the organic chemistry tutor or khan academy to prepare for the Mcat,but professor Jared is at another level.