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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.
Pre/co-requisites
Unit title
Unit code
Requirement type
Description
Introductory Chemistry
BIOL10111
Pre-Requisite
Recommended
Chemistry for Bioscientists 1
CHEM10021
Pre-Requisite
Recommended
Chemistry for Bioscientists 2
CHEM10022
Pre-Requisite
Recommended
Aims
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.
Learning outcomes
Students should:
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
Understand and demonstrate how the structure of biomolecules determines their chemical properties and reactivity
Draw molecules and reaction mechanisms, understand and propose site-directed mutagenesis experiments aimed at elucidating mechanism
Understand biochemistry at the atomic level.
Employability skills
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.
Assessment methods
Method
Weight
Written exam
85%
Set exercise
15%
Feedback methods
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.
Recommended reading
The listed text book is recommended. Earlier editions also contain the relevant material.