CHEM30270 Chemical Biology of Macromolecules

Academic Year 2021/2022

The student will acquire an understanding of the three major classes of macrobiomolecules, i.e. proteins, carbohydrates and nucleic acids, the nature of their structures, synthetic methodology and the role which they play in biological systems. Topics discussed include structures of proteins; peptide chemistry; solid phase peptide synthesis; protein synthesis via native chemical ligation; structures of monosaccharides; synthesis of oligosaccharides; structure of nucleic acids; synthesis of oligonucleotides. In addition students will gain an understanding of the chemistry of functioning of biomolecules in cellular and living systems. This will include an introduction to aspects of molecular recognition, enzyme mechanism and mechanisms of biologically catalysed reactions, interactions of biomolecules with each other and small molecules and the outcomes in biological systems, design of inhibitors of biological processes. Aspects will be illustrated with selected case studies (e.g. proteases, glycosidases, bacterial cell wall biosynthesis and inhibition). The module is directed towards students majoring in chemical biology and related disciplines.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to: draw structures of biomolecule monomers, such as amino acids, monosaccharides and nucleosides; design solution-phase synthetic routes to simple peptides; explain and have practical knowledge in how to synthesize peptides and oligonucleotides on solid supports, and oligosaccharides in solution; describe and explain non-covalent interactions and role in moleculear recognition; describe some chemical mechanisms for biological catalysed processes; explain how inhibitors work and how inhibitors are designed; display a grasp of the thermodynamics of small molecule-receptor interactions; write organic mechanisms for selected processes.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Tutorial

6
Laboratories

24
Autonomous Student Learning

54
Total

108
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
CHEM30190 - Chemistry of Biomolecules


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: various Varies over the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

20
Continuous Assessment: Practical laboratory assessment Varies over the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

20
Examination: Written Examination 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Xiangming Zhu Lecturer / Co-Lecturer