CHM3736

Bioactive chemistry

(SCI)

Dr Tony Patti

6 points + 3 hours of lectures and 3 hours of laboratory work per week + First semester Gippsland + Second semester Malaysia + Prerequisites: 12 points second-year chemistry and/or biochemistry

Synopsis: This subject covers the chemistry of biologically active molecules and classes of such molecules. Protein chemistry, protein structure, synthesis, the principles of folding of polypeptide chains, and the notion of ligand-induced conformational changes as a fundamental control mechanism are introduced. A study of enzymes, biochemistry of membranes, role of metals and their complexes in biological systems will be followed with a detailed study of the use of biological systems to carry out controlled chemical reactions on organic molecules. The importance of natural product chemistry and biosynthetic pathways leading to selected compounds of commercial significance will be outlined.

Assessment: Final examination (3 hours) 50% + Assignment: 10% + Problems: 10% + Practical work: 30% + A pass in both theoretical and practical components is mandatory