This foundation course is designed for students who have not taken science courses with a biology component at the senior secondary school level. It presents our current understandings on cells and molecules of life, genetics and evolution, organisms and environment, and health and diseases. Those students who have successfully completed this course will have a solid foundation for studying more advanced courses in life sciences. (Not for students who have taken LSCI1002 or 1003.)

This is primarily for students in engineering faculty requiring a one-semester introductory in general chemistry at a fundamental level. It includes the study of atomic structure, bonding, periodic trends in physical properties, molecular geometry, stoichiometry, states of matter, thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, acid/base chemistry, electrochemistry and kinetics.

Computer-oriented problem-solving methods and algorithm development; object oriented programming concepts; concepts of abstract data types; simple data structures; illustrative applications. The C++ programming language will be used. (Not for students who have taken ESTR1100 or 1102 or CSCI1020 or 1110 or 1130 or 1510 or 1520 or 1530 or 1540. Equivalent to CSCI1111 offered in 2007-08 and before.)

This course provides an overview of the important roles of organic functional groups in forming biomolecules. Under themes of common interests and practical importance, this course will provide students with an understanding of the relevant basic principles of organic chemistry to explore the formation, structures and chemical properties of biomolecules.  Selected fundamental concepts in chemical bonding and stereochemistry relevant to the understanding of biomolecules will be highlighted.