On quantum groups and their potential use in mathematical chemistry

16 pages, Tex file. Paper written from a lecture presented (by M.K.) at the "IV International Conference on Mathematical and Computational Chemistry'', Bled (Yugoslavia), 3 - 7 June 1991The quantum algebra suq(2) is introduced as a deformation of the ordinary Lie algebra su(2). This is achieved in a simple way by making use of $q$-bosons. In connection with the quantum algebra suq(2), we discuss the q-analogues of the harmonic oscillator and the angular momentum. We also introduce q-analogues of the hydrogen atom by means of a q-deformation of the Pauli equations and of the so-called Kustaanheimo-Stiefel transformation