Chemistry of Life – A Foundation in Biology for High School

Name: Chemistry of Life – A Foundation in Biology for High School
Rating: 4.7 (5 reviews)

Fundamentals of Chemical Basis of Biology, and Roles of Ions and Water

Created byShay Khanum

Last updated 7/2025

English

What you'll learn

The importance of chemistry in understanding biological systems.
Define atoms, elements, and compounds, and describe their roles in living organisms.
Differentiate between ionic, covalent, and hydrogen bonds, and their significance in biological molecules
Define organic and inorganic compounds, highlighting their differences and biological importance.
Identify essential inorganic ions and their biological roles.
Explain the structure of water molecules and the role of hydrogen bonding.
Describe water’s unique properties (cohesion, adhesion, high specific heat, solvent abilities, density anomaly).

Course content

3 sections • 11 lectures • 1h 57m total length

The Chemistry of Life - Introduction32:32
By the end of this section, students will understand;
The need to know the chemical foundations in biology
Bond Formation between atoms.
Formation of Ionic and Covalent Bonds
Difference between Polar and Non-Polar Covalent Bonds
Electronegativity
Characteristics and Significance of Intermolecular Forces
Role of Hydrogen Bonds in Biological Systems
How to Apply Knowledge of Bonding to Biological Molecules

Dissociation of Ions (Dissolution)8:12
After completing the lecture, the students will be able to;
Define inorganic ions and distinguish them from organic molecules.
Explain the solubility of inorganic ions in water based on their charge and polarity.
Describe the principle of solubility (like dissolves like) and how it applies to ionic compounds.
Discuss how water's polarity enables dissolution of inorganic ions through ion-dipole interactions.
Explain the biological significance of ion solubility in processes like transport, osmoregulation, and cellular function.
Important Cations10:27
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
Describe the biological importance of key inorganic ions, including:

Calcium (Ca²⁺) – Bone and teeth formation, muscle contraction, blood clotting.
Sodium (Na⁺) and Potassium (K⁺) – Nerve impulse transmission, osmotic balance.
Hydrogen (H⁺) and Hydroxide (OH⁻) ions – pH balance, enzyme activity.
Magnesium (Mg²⁺) – Chlorophyll component, enzyme activation.
Iron (Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺) – Hemoglobin component, oxygen transport.
Important Anions10:49
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
Describe the biological importance of key inorganic ions, including:

Nitrate (NO₃⁻): Essential for amino acid, protein, and DNA synthesis in plants.
Chloride (Cl⁻): Maintains osmotic balance, aids nerve impulses, and supports stomach acid production.
Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻): Regulates blood pH, aids CO₂ transport in respiration.
Phosphate (PO₄³⁻): Key in ATP, DNA, RNA, and phospholipid synthesis, supports bone strength.
Hydroxide (OH⁻): Influences pH, affects enzyme activity and biochemical reactions.

Requirements

Basic Mathematics Skills
Basic Knowledge of Science
Understanding of English Language

Description

This course, Chemistry of Life, is designed to equip parents, guardians, educators, and academic support providers with the tools and knowledge needed to guide learners through foundational chemistry topics that underpin biology. Aligned with the syllabi of international high school boards—including AP, CIE, Edexcel, AQA, and IB—this course serves as a comprehensive resource for supervising and enhancing student learning.

Please note: This course is intended for adult purchase and supervision only. It is designed to support parents and guardians in assisting students under 18 with their academic studies. Learners under 18 should only access the course under the direct supervision of an adult.

Through this course, supervising adults will gain the ability to help students:

Understand the fundamentals of chemistry in biological systems
Explain chemical bonding and molecular interactions
Explore organic and inorganic compounds in living organisms
Describe the biological roles of inorganic ions
Understand the properties and significance of water in life processes

The course features structured, easy-to-follow lectures enriched with visual aids, real-life examples, and step-by-step explanations. It emphasizes conceptual understanding—focusing on not just what happens in biological systems, but also how and why it happens.

Whether you're a parent guiding a student through homeschool, a tutor offering extra support, or simply someone passionate about the sciences, this course offers a solid foundation to facilitate effective and engaging learning in the life sciences.

Who this course is for:

Students following British Curriculums
High School Students Preparing for A-Levels or IAL
Students preparing for AP or IB exams
Students preparing for entrance exams
Anyone learning the basics in biology

Chemistry of Life – A Foundation in Biology for High School

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

CHEMISTRY FOR BIOLOGISTS1 lecture • 33min

THE IMPORTANCE OF INORGANIC IONS3 lectures • 29min

THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER7 lectures • 56min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: