Application of fundamental chemistry principles to an understanding of chemical reactions and molecular structure in biological systems.
CHEM305 Biological Chemistry focuses on how the concepts and techniques from various fields of chemistry may be applied to interpret chemical transformations in biological systems and to determine the structure of biomolecules. The paper will evaluate frontiers in biological chemistry by identifying the underlying fundamental concepts of molecular transformation and structure.
| Paper title | Biological Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Paper code | CHEM305 |
| Subject | Chemistry |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,141.35 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- CHEM 202 or CHEM 205
- Restriction
- PSCI 302
- Recommended Preparation
- CHEM 202 and CHEM 205
- Schedule C
- Science
- Eligibility
CHEM305 is an important paper for chemistry majors wishing to proceed to a career that involves biological chemistry and also for all general degree students requiring knowledge and understanding of biological chemistry.
- Contact
Dr Andrea Vernall
Tel 64 3 479 4518
Location: Science II, 5n4
- More information link
- Teaching staff
Course Co-ordinator: Dr Andrea Vernall
- Paper Structure
Amino Acids and Peptides
- The chemistry and reactivity of amino acids and peptides.
- Methods of isolation, purification and analysis of peptides and proteins.
- Strategies used in the chemical synthesis of peptides.
Enzymes
- The role and modes of action of enzymes in catalysing biological reactions.
- Structure activity relationships and kinetics of enzymes.
- Mechanisms of enzyme reactions using proteases as examples.
- Strategies for enzyme inhibition in drug design.
Medicinal chemistry
- Covering topics such as: Drugs and drug targets, biologically active compounds, pharmacokinetics, with a focus on optimisation of chemical structure for a desired biological outcome.
Spectroscopy of Biological Systems
- Spectroscopic
investigations are integral to the study of biological materials. We will examine
the principles and applications of:
- FTIR, Raman and FRET spectroscopic techniques to interrogate polypeptides and proteins.
- NMR, EPR and Mossbauer spectroscopy to study specific metalloenzymes.
- Teaching Arrangements
- Three lectures per week and one 4-hour lab class per week.
- Textbooks
Recommended:
Jones, J. Amino acid and peptide synthesis, Oxford University Press
Bruice, P.Y. Organic Chemistry, (4th edn), Prentice-Hall
Fersht, A. Enzyme structure and mechanism, Freeman
EBOOK - William O. Foye; Thomas L. Lemke; David A. Williams, Foye’s principles of medicinal chemistry, (7th ed), Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Graham L. Patrick, An introduction to medicinal chemistry, (5th ed), Oxford Press 2013
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Critical thinking,
Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Expectations at the completion of the paper:
- An understanding of the scientific concepts underlying chemical transformation and structure determination involving biological molecules.
- An appreciation of the chemical factors controlling biological processes.
- An ability to identify fundamental concepts in chemistry underlying biological systems.
- Demonstrated expertise in the generic activities of information retrieval, critical analysis and presentation, logistical planning and cooperative teamwork.
- An understanding of how chemical knowledge is applied in a practical, problem-solving context.
