CHM2942 · Biological chemistry

Overview

CHM2942 has been designed for students from chemical and biological backgrounds who have a strong, common interest in the chemistry of living systems. In this unit you will be able to apply their knowledge by examining chemical processes in a biological context: the relationship between stereochemistry and biological activity; transition states of enzyme catalysed reactions; molecular mechanisms underlying glycoside bond formation and breakage; describe the chemical reactivity of organic and inorganic molecules and the reactions occurring at different functional groups; develop a basic understanding of bioconjugate chemistry and its applications; classical and contemporary bioinorganic chemistry of metals; metal coordination chemistry; molecular mechanisms for redox potentials within living systems; metalloproteins and co-enzymes; transport and storage of naturally occurring and toxic metals; role of metals in medicine; applications of modern bio-spectroscopic and bio-imaging techniques; visualisation and monitoring of chemical processes occurring in living tissues; processing bio-imaging and bio-spectroscopic data.

Areas of study: Chemistry Medicinal chemistry

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Add to their understanding of the chemical reactivity of organic molecules and the relationship between stereochemistry and biological activity;
2. Understand the concept of a transition state in enzyme-catalyzed reactions and the difference between inverting and retaining mechanisms in carbohydrate processing enzymes;
3. Apply the concept of protective groups in organic chemistry for the synthesis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates;
4. Understand and describe the physical and chemical behaviour of metal ions in aqueous solution, particularly in relation to formation, stability and ligand lability;
5. Understand the role of metals in biology, and the development and application of metal-based therapeutics and diagnostics;
6. Apply an understanding of the use of spectroscopic techniques for determining the structure and function of biomolecules;
7. Understand the different types of bio-imaging techniques and the methods used to process bioimaging data.

Workload

• Two 1-hour workshops and • One-hour directed independent study per week • On-hour workshop/tutorial every fortnight and • The equivalent of 3.5 hours laboratory activity for 10 weeks

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.