BSc Biology with Science & Society / Course details

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.

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:

• 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.

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.

The listed text book is recommended. Earlier editions also contain the relevant material.

• Voet & Voet, Biochemistry, 4^th edition, 2011, Wiley.