Universidad de Jaén

THEORY:

CHAPTER 1: MOLECULAR INTERACTIONS
Electric properties of molecules. Magnetic properties of molecules. Inter- and intra-molecular interactions.

CHAPTER 2: PHOTOCHEMISTRY
Excited States. Photophysics: fluorescence, fosforescence, intra- and inter-molecular energy transfer, chemioluminescence. Excimer and exciplex. Photochemistry in Nature: vision, photosynthesis, DNA damage by UV radiation.

CHAPTER 3: MACROMOLECULES (I): MAIN PRINCIPLES

Introduction: synthetic and biological polymers. Macromolecular structure: structure levels, random coils. Properties of macromolecules: mechanical properties, thermal properties, electrical properties. Determination of shape and size: mean molar masses, experimental techniques for the determination of molar masses and molar mass distribution.

CHAPTER 4: MACROMOLECULES (II): BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES

Structure of proteins. Structure of nucleic acids. Structure of polysaccharides. Structure of micelles and biological membranes. Computer-aided simulations: Molecular Mechanics calculations, Molecular Dynamics simulations, Monte Carlo simulations, Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR).

CHAPTER 5: MOLECULAR RECOGNITION

Introduction. Theoretical models of binding: single-site, single-affinity binding; independent multiple-site, equal affinity binding; independent multiple-site, variable affinity binding; cooperative binding. Experimental analytical techniques.

ORIENTED ACTIVITIES:

Molecular properties from Computer-Assisted Molecular Modelling

LABORATORY EXPERIMENTS:

1) Applications of Magnetic Susceptitility measurement.

2) Helix-coil transition in polypeptides.

3) Dipolar moments in solution

4) Polymer characterisation from viscosity measurements

1) Lessons in the classroon. Theory contents and exercises related with them.

2) Seminars and tutorial where supporting activities will be developed.

3) Experimental sessions in the laboratory.

Students with special educational needs should contact the Student Attention Service (Servicio de Atención y Ayudas al Estudiante) in order to receive the appropriate academic support

1) The theoretical concepts of the subject will be assessed through a written exam, which will be 50% of the final grade. With this instrument the B10 and C14 skills are assessed.

2) Targeted activities will be assessed through work and exercises. They account for 20% of the final grade. With this instrument the B8, B10 and Q5 skills are evaluated.

3) The laboratory sessions will be compulsory to pass the subject. Its weight in the final grade is 30% and will be evaluated continuously by the teacher. With this instrument the P5 skill is assessed.