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529-0962-00L 4 Credits SHE , MSC D-GESS , D-CHAB

Fundamental Aspects of Chemistry with an Educational Focus I

Vertiefte Grundlagen der Chemie I für Lehrdiplom

Lecturers: Prof. Dr. Roland Riek, Prof. Dr. Markus Reiher, Prof. Dr. Robert Grass, Prof. Dr. Amy E. Fraley

Examiners: Prof. Dr. Carlo Thilgen, Prof. Dr. Roland Riek, Prof. Dr. Markus Reiher, Prof. Dr. Robert Grass, Prof. Dr. Amy E. Fraley

Information for UZH students: Enrolment to this course unit only possible at ETH. No enrolment to module CHE406 at UZH. Examination Registration only at ETH. Please mind the ETH enrolment deadlines for UZH students:

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:34

Abstract

Selected chemistry topics, covered in depth:1a) Chirality and other aspects of stereochemistry1b) The origin of biomolecular homochirality2) Chemistry and sustainability.3) Origin of life: The amyloid peptide world hypothesis, compared with the RNA world hypothesis.

Objective

In this course, participants acquire advanced and in-depth knowledge in selected areas of chemistry. Cross-references between the classic sub-disciplines of chemistry and the unique nature of chemistry as a central natural science are highlighted. The chosen topics focus on areas of chemistry typically taught in high school. An in-depth study of the material covered enables future teachers to understand the topics to be taught in a broader—and sometimes unconventional—context. They will be enabled to critically analyze the subject matter with regard to teachability and learnability.

Content

The subject-specific specialization course primarily imparts key competencies in chemistry. Although teaching methodology and suggestions for designing secondary school lessons may be of some relevance, these are not the main focus. Thematic Focus Areas: 1a) Stereochemistry: The “Coupe du Roi” and its chemical significance; Varieties of stereochemistry: cyclostereoisomerism, helical and cyclic peptides with alternating D- and L-amino acids; in,out isomerism, cryptands as cation receptors and in,in-protonated bicyclic diamines as anion receptors, proton sponges; calculation of the number of possible stereoisomers for given molecular symmetries. 1b) Considerations on the origin of biomolecular homochirality: stochastic theories, deterministic theories, hypotheses about extraterrestrial origins, amplification of enantiomeric excesses. 2) Chemistry and sustainability: the relationship between chemical products and energy consumption, life cycle assessments and chemical energy storage. 3) The increasing molecular complexity that occurred at the origin of life – from amino acids to self-replicating peptides.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Slides and selected literature will be made available via the Moodle course.

Literature

Selected papers from the primary literature are presented and recommended for reading.

General Information

Language: German
Levels: SHE , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: oral 30 minutes

Ein Teil der Prüfung wird auf Englisch durchgeführt.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Vertiefte Grundlagen der Chemie I für Lehrdiplom Ein Teil des Kurses wird auf Englisch unterrichtet. wird auch für Studierende der Universität Zürich angeboten	No time listed	2 h weekly