610-332 Bio-organic Chemistry

At least one of chemistry 610-220, 610-221 OR completion of 25 points of 200-level biochemistry subjects

Upon completion, students should have developed an understanding of the structure and stereochemistry of steroidal systems, the principal modes of biosynthesis operating in living organisms, the organic chemistry that underpins the pathways of primary metabolism and modern biotechnological methods of therapeutic drug design and structure. Students should also develop interdisciplinary skills and an understanding of the philosophical methodological bases of research activity.

Students should also appreciate the importance of rational, critical and independent thought in chemical and biological science and in the understanding of organic chemistry.

The subject will cover the following topics: natural products (12 lectures): the conception, establishment and application of biosynthetic theories as they apply to steroids, polyketides, terpenoids, alkaloids; metabolism (12 lectures): a mechanistic, chemical and stereochemical treatment of primary metabolism; vitamins (for example, thiamine, pantothenic acid, lipoic acid) and their role as components of co-enzymes in metabolism; bioregulators such as prostaglandins, their structure and synthesis; medicinal chemistry (12 lectures): drug design and structure, peptide, protein and DNA synthesis; drug-protein interactions, drug metabolism; anabolic steroids.

This subject will provide the student with the opportunity to establish/develop the following generic skills: an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base, problem solving and critical thinking skills, an ability to evaluate the research and professional literature, a capacity to apply concepts developed in one area to a different context, and the ability to use conceptual models to rationalise observations.

One 3-hour written examination at the end of semester (100%). Assignments and tests may constitute up to 10% of the final assessment.