Systems chemistry

Description

In this course you will learn about chemical phenomena that can occur only when several molecules are part of a network of reactions, i.e., phenomena occurring at the "system" level.

 For example, the exchange of chemical energy, feedback mechanisms, oscillations, and the formation of patterns, all require the interaction of molecules in a chemical reaction network having specific properties.

Using experimental examples as a basis, you will learn key concepts, from the simplest networks that absorb energy to adaptive materials, protocells, and metabolism. Overall, you will gain insights on how chemistry becomes biology.

-            Basics of energy sources: chemical, electrochemical, and photochemical energy

-            Absorption and transfer of energy > how molecular machines operate

-            Feedback loops, autocatalysis > how oscillating systems work

-            Compartmentalized systems > the basics of coacervates and protocells

-            Adaptive materials > how to "train" material properties

-            Basics of metabolic networks > how chemistry becomes biology

Compétences visées

-            Recognizing how chemical (molecular) networks can absorb energy

-            Identifying feedback mechanisms leading to oscillations and patterns

-            Understanding the role of compartmentalization and chemical communication in protocells and metabolic networks

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