Chemistry of Biomolecules

CHEM21162 Chemistry of Biomolecules 10 Semester 2 Undergraduate Level 2 Sam Hay Unit coordinator 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Middle part of Bachelors ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 5.0 This course unit detail provides the framework for delivery in 22/23 and may be subject to change due to any additional Covid-19 impact.  Please see Blackboard / course unit related emails for any further updates.Chemistry of Biomolecules focuses on the chemistry underpinning the biological roles of proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic and lipids. You will learn about the link between structure and function of these molecules at a chemical level within a biological context. Overview lectures will bring together this knowledge and apply it to key chemical process relevant to life: respiration, photosynthesis and signalling. This course unit detail provides the framework for delivery in 21/22 and may be subject to change due to any additional Covid-19 impact.  Please see Blackboard / course unit related emails for any further updates.3 lectures + 1 workshop on basic chemistry, required to appreciate and understand biochemistry, focussed entirely on biologically relevant atom species (C, N, H, O, S, P, various metals) and their properties. Bonding, reaction mechanism and structure/function relationships are discussed.8 lectures + 1 workshop on organic chemistry of biomolecules: ranging from amino acids, lipids, enzyme cofactors, oligonucleotides to oligosaccharides. Each are introduced in detail from a structure/function perspective with appropriate examples presented to illustrate their role in biochemistry6 lectures on inorganic chemistry: i.e. metals in biology, focussing on both redox and not-redox roles of metals in biochemistry, as well as on metal specific experimental techniques relevant to biochemistry1 overview lecture, studying a key chemical process relevant to life: photosynthesis. This lecture will aim to bring together material seen in previous lectures and explore the chemical basis underpinning this process. It will also provide a preview on how material will be presented in the 3 year chemistry course (BIOL31812)An exam workshop will be organised at the end of the lectures series.eLearning ActivityA marked assessment (15%) will be conducted on material presented in the first 3 lectures. This will be held early on in the lecture series, to allow revision of the basic chemical knowledge, allowing students to follow the more advanced concepts introduced in the remaining lectures.<h3> </h3><div> </div> To provide information about biochemically important aspects of the chemistry of proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and lipids, using appropriate examples. This includes organic, inorganic and physical chemistry aspects of biomolecules. Key emphasis is placed on understanding the structural principles that govern reactivity/physical properties of molecules as opposed to learning structural detail. The emphasis is on knowledge at the atomic level. Students should:<ul> <li style="margin-left: 5.7pt;"> Have knowledge of the structure/conformational freedom of biomolecules, e.g. proteins, DNA/RNA, carbohydrates and key metabolites/co-factors, e.g., be able to draw and recognize key structures such as the 20 amino acids, 5 nucleotides and major metabolites</li> <li style="margin-left: 5.7pt;"> Understand and demonstrate how the structure of biomolecules determines their chemical properties and reactivity</li> <li style="margin-left: 5.7pt;"> Draw molecules and reaction mechanisms, understand and propose site-directed mutagenesis experiments aimed at elucidating mechanism</li> <li style="margin-left: 5.7pt;"> Understand biochemistry at the atomic level.</li></ul> Analytical skills The course introduces people to chemical reasoning and thinking, encouraging application of chemical rules and logic to problems. Problem solving The course introduces people to chemical reasoning and thinking, encouraging application of chemical rules and logic to problems. Research The course introduces people to chemical reasoning and thinking, encouraging application of chemical rules and logic to problems. 1 Written exam 85% 9 Set exercise 15% Students will be invited to test their knowledge via blackboard multiple choice tests. These will span the various main topics: basic chemistry; organic chemistry; metals in biology; physical chemistry; overview lectures. In each case, the test assessment will be available immediately after the last lecture of that topic. Immediate feedback is given when answers are incorrect. Assessments remain open during the lecture course and students can retake them as many times as they want. BIOL10111 Pre-Requisite Recommended CHEM10021 Chemistry for Bioscientists 1 Pre-Requisite Recommended CHEM10022 Chemistry for Bioscientists 2 Pre-Requisite Recommended N The listed text book is recommended. Earlier editions also contain the relevant material.<ul> <li> Voet & Voet, Biochemistry, 4th edition, 2011, Wiley.</li></ul> Assessment written exam 2 Lectures 22 0 76