CHEM 120 Chemistry of Life's Beginnings
This brief study of the structure and function of molecules
common to living organisms such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats and nucleic
acids (DNA and RNA). We spend time speculating on the formation of
the solar system and the early chemical history of the earth with an examination
of possible mechanisms by which smaller and then larger molecules could
have formed from which the present diversity of life has evolved.
This is a non-majors course with the prerequisites of high school chemistry
or biology.
The course uses the ChemConnections module, "How Could
Life Have Arisen on Earth" as a guide to promote an active, interactive,
student directed discussion style format in the classroom.
The course was first offered during interim 2004.
Syllabus
Related links
Origins
of Life
The
RNA World
Variable
Concentration Polymerization
The Miller-Urey
Experiment
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