Title: Organic Compounds

Location: US

Company: Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions

About this course:
Understanding the chemistry behind biological systems is essential for any student entering a health profession. In this course, we will introduce the fundamental principles of general and organic chemistry with a focus on their relevance to the structure and function of biological molecules. We will begin with acids, bases, pH, and buffer systems, where we will see that these concepts underlie everything from blood chemistry to enzyme function. We will then transition to foundational organic chemistry, covering hydrocarbons, functional groups, and the structure of key biomolecules like carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
This self-paced course is comprised of instructional video content, step-by-step follow-along “watch me solve” problem videos, and assessments to reinforce your learning (assessments available to Verified Track learners only).
The course is organized into 11 lessons that you should complete in order, as each subsequent lesson builds on the previous one.

Lesson 1: Acids and Bases

Lesson 2: Strong vs. Weak Acids and Bases

Lesson 3: pH and pKa

Lesson 4: Buffers and Equilibrium

Lesson 5: Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Lesson 6: Alkanes

Lesson 7: Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds

Lesson 8: Functional Groups Overview

Lesson 9: Carbohydrates and Lipids

Lesson 10: Proteins and Amino Acids

Lesson 11: Nucleic Acids

Explain Acid-Base Behavior in Biological Systems: Define acids and bases using Arrhenius and Brønsted-Lowry models and describe their role in pH balance and chemical equilibrium.

Use Molecular Representations in Organic Chemistry: Interpret and draw organic molecules using structural formulas, condensed formulas, and line-angle (skeletal) notation.

Identify and Classify Organic Functional Groups: Recognize major classes of organic compounds and functional groups common in biological and pharmaceutical contexts.

Relate Chemical Concepts to Physiological Function: Connect chemical principles such as pH, buffering, and molecular structure to processes like enzyme activity, drug behavior, and cellular function.

Describe the Structure and Role of Biomolecules: Summarize the key features and functions of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids in biological systems.

Understanding the chemistry behind biological systems is essential for any student entering a health profession. In this course, we will introduce the fundamental principles of general and organic chemistry with a focus on their relevance to the structure and function of biological molecules. By the end of this course, students will be able to classify and analyze organic compounds based on their functional groups and reactivity, and apply fundamental concepts to understand the structure and function of key biomolecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Duration: 5 weeks

Curriculum:
- Explain Acid-Base Behavior in Biological Systems: Define acids and bases using Arrhenius and Brønsted-Lowry models and describe their role in pH balance and chemical equilibrium.
- Use Molecular Representations in Organic Chemistry: Interpret and draw organic molecules using structural formulas, condensed formulas, and line-angle (skeletal) notation.
- Identify and Classify Organic Functional Groups: Recognize major classes of organic compounds and functional groups common in biological and pharmaceutical contexts.
- Relate Chemical Concepts to Physiological Function: Connect chemical principles such as pH, buffering, and molecular structure to processes like enzyme activity, drug behavior, and cellular function.

- Describe the Structure and Role of Biomolecules: Summarize the key features and functions of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids in biological systems.