CHM2942 - Biological chemistry - 2019

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 students 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.

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

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.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Examination (2 hours): 50% (Hurdle)

Mid-semester test (45 mins): 20%

Laboratory work: 30% (Hurdle)

Hurdle requirement: To pass this unit a student must achieve a minimum score of 50% in the laboratory practical component and a minimum of 30% for the end-of-semester exam.

Supplementary assessment is not available for the lab practical component.

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

See also Unit timetable information

Chemistry