This session will introduce the structure of biological molecules and the molecular forces involved in the formation of these molecules.

Learning Objectives

• To be able to identify the forces that act in biological systems: covalent bonds, ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, van der Waal's forces, and hydrophobicity.
• To understand the properties of covalent bonds as well as the concepts of biological catalysts and chirality.
• To be able to distinguish between a polar and non-polar molecule and understand the concept of electronegativity.
• To be able to explain how hydrogen bonds are formed and describe their importance in biological systems.