Chemistry

Bio-organic Chemistry

Module code: F1007
Level 6
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Workshop, Lecture
Assessment modes: Unseen examination, Coursework

The aim of this module is to describe the unifying biosynthetic principles which underlay the diverse structures of natural products and to show the relevance for the primary structures of proteins to their shape and to the catalytic properties of enzymes.

You are introduced to a basic set of chemical transformations applied in the chemical synthesis of the major classes of biomolecules such as nucleic acids and
peptides.

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the major families of natural products and identify their characteristic features.
• Demonstrate conceptual understanding that enables you to describe and comment on primary biological processes from a detailed chemical standpoint.
• Apply chemical descriptions of mechanism to the critical steps in biosynthetic pathways and the major biodegradative processes.
• Demonstrate conceptual understanding of modern cancer therapies in order to comment upon recent case studies.