Topic One (1.1): Chemistry for Biologists

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

First of all, you’ll be reminded of ion formation, and ionic and covalent bonding that you will have studied at IGCSE, but this topic goes into a little bit more detail, particularly in focusing on the strangeness and important properties of water.

Read Icon.png Reading

Edexcel AS/A Level Biology Student Book 1 pages 4 to 7, page 24

Read & Make Notes Icon.png Read and Make Notes

Read pages 4 to 7, making notes (always include key definitions) and completing the ‘in-text’ questions.

Consolidate Icon.png Consolidate

Now consolidate your understanding by working through these additional resources:

EXPLORE – ‘Hydrogen Bonding’ Topic & Skill Test (Khan Academy) Links to an external site.

Download READ – Water Factsheet

WATCH – Water: The Strangest Chemical in the Universe (The Guardian) Links to an external site.

Make Notes Icon.png Tasks

Complete the following:

  • Complete questions 1 and 2 on page 24.

Top Tip Icon.png Top Tips

Make sure that you understand the following key points:

  • The properties of water depend on its structure – be able to connect the two concepts together.

Glossary Icon.png Key Terms

Check that you know all of the terms in the Subject Vocabulary box on page 7 and add any you don’t know to your glossary.