Biophysical Chemistry with Applications in Pharmaceutical Chemistry

The course is divided into two parts: Theory (5.5 credits) and lab (2 credits). The course covers the following areas: Thermodynamics and chemical equilibrium, with a focus on pH, and the role of these for drug solubility in various media. Liquids and solutions: diffusion, viscosity, electrolyte solutions and colligative properties. Physical theories of mixtures and phase diagrams for two and three component systems. Gibbs phase rule. Polymers and physical properties of proteins. General characteristics, stability, good and less good solvents. Intermolecular interactions (electrostatic, induced, dispersion and hydrogen bonding) and hydrophobic effect with examples of protein-ligand interactions. Reaction and transport kinetics (reaction rate, reaction order, diffusion, temperature dependence) with application to dissolution and diffusion through membranes. Surface and Colloid Chemistry: colloid systems, wetting of surfaces, surface tension, surface activity, micelles, bilayers, colloidal forces and the DLVO theory.