XL Life Science

Section 1: Atomic Structure and Periodicity

Planck’s quantum theory, wave particle duality, uncertainty principle, comparison between Bohr’s model and quantum mechanical model of hydrogen atom, electronic configuration of atoms and ions. Hund’s rule and Pauli’s exclusion principle. Periodic table and periodic properties: ionization energy, electron affinity, electronegativity and atomic size.

Section 2: Structure and Bonding

Ionic and covalent bonding, MO and VB approaches for diatomic molecules, VSEPR theory and shape of molecules, hybridization, resonance, dipole moment, structure parameters such as bond length, bond angle and bond energy, hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions. Ionic solids, ionic radii and lattice energy (Born‐Haber cycle). HSAB principle.

Section 3: s, p and d Block Elements

Oxides, halides and hydrides of alkali, alkaline earth metals, B, Al, Si, N, P, and S. General characteristics of 3d elements. Coordination complexes: valence bond and crystal field theory, colour, geometry, magnetic properties and isomerism.

Section 4: Chemical Equilibria

Osmotic pressure, elevation of boiling point and depression of freezing point, ionic equilibria in solution, solubility product, common ion effect, hydrolysis of salts, pH, buffer and their applications. Equilibrium constants (Kc, Kp, and KX) for homogeneous reactions.

Section 5: Electrochemistry

Conductance, Kohlrausch law, cell potentials, EMF, Nernst equation, thermodynamic aspects and their applications.

Section 6: Reaction Kinetics

Rate constant, order of reaction, molecularity, activation energy, zero, first and second order kinetics, catalysis and elementary enzyme reactions. Reversible and irreversible inhibition of enzymes.

Section 7: Thermodynamics

Ǫualitative treatment of state and path functions, First law, reversible and irreversible processes, internal energy, enthalpy, Kirchoff equation, heat of reaction, Hess’s law, heat of formation. Second law, entropy and free energy. Gibbs‐Helmholtz equation, free energy change and spontaneity, Free energy changes from equilibrium constant.

Section 8: Structure-Reactivity Correlations and Organic Reaction Mechanisms

Acids and bases, electronic and steric effects, Stereochemistry, optical and geometrical isomerism, tautomerism, conformers and concept of aromaticity. Elementary treatment of SN1, SN2, E1, E2 and radical reactions, Hoffmann/Saytzeff rules, addition reactions, Markownikoff rule and Kharasch effect. Elementary hydroboration reactions. Grignard’s reagents and their uses. Aromatic electrophilic substitutions, orientation effect as exemplified by various functional groups. Identification of common functional groups by chemical tests.

Section 9: Chemistry of Biomolecules

Amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids and nucleotides. Peptide sequencing by chemical and enzymatic proteolytic methods. DNA sequencing by chemical and enzymatic methods.

Carbohydrates (upto hexoses only). Lipids (triglycerides only). Principles of biomolecule purification-Ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography. Identification of these biomolecules and Beer-Lambert’s law.

The previous year questions with their solutions are a part of our course material. So when you subscribe for the course material, you will get solutions for GATE XL Chemistry questions from GATE 2011 onwards.

Preparation for GATE XL Chemistry is a 5-step process.

1. Understand the GATE XL Chemistry syllabus and make a study plan based on time left for exam. Plan in a way that gives you atleast 2 months just to answer tests and Mocks.
2. GATE requires you to have strong concepts. So get the best books for each subject along with GATE specific study material from Career Avenues.
3. For better clarity, you can also refer to Career Avenues videos for GATE XL Chemistry, which have been made by one of the best GATE XL Chemistry faculty.
4. As you study, keep making notes. Also solve previous year questions and master the concepts behind each of the question.
5. Answer a lot of GATE XL Chemistry Mocks and Section tests. Career Avenues provides a complete series.

Career Avenues can help you in 3 ways.

1. Best study material for GATE XL Chemistry made specifically for the GATE XL Chemistry syllabus. The study material can be purchased both in online (read access) or offline (printed) mode)
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3. Exhaustive test series with a combination of easy, moderate and difficult questions.

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Once you are satisfied with the quality of the course, you can then purchase for a duration appropriate to your GATE preparation.

For someone who is serious about his or her GATE preparation, the course is good and sufficient. Since 2011, when we started GATE XL Chemistry courses, hundreds of our students have made it into top colleges like IISc, IITs and NITs.