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    Overview

    Application of fundamental chemistry principles to an understanding of chemical reactions and molecular structure in biological systems.

    CHEM 305 Biological and Medicinal Chemistry 2 focuses on more advanced (than CHEM 205) chemical aspects of biological and medicinal systems at a molecular level

    The course explores the synthesis of peptides and biological and medicinal peptides, enzyme inhibition and enzyme kinetics at a molecular level, including medicinal chemistry of selected enzyme inhibitors. Chemical aspects of drug discovery and development, including a medicinal chemistry drug discovery laboratory. Application of spectroscopy within biological systems to elucidate biological molecule shape, reactivity and proximity.

    About this paper

    Paper title Biological and Medicinal Chemistry 2
    Subject Chemistry
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,243.65
    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
    Contact

    Dr Andrea Vernall

    Tel +64 3 479 4518

    Location: Science II, 5n4

    andrea.vernall@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Course Co-ordinator: Dr Andrea Vernall

    Dr Nick Green

    Dr Eng Wui Tan

    Dr Courtney Ennis

    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.
    • Structure of nucleic acids and role in biological peptide synthesis.

    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 compounds – design and optimisation

    • Drugs and drug targets at a molecular level, biologically active compounds.
    • Physiochemical properties and design features of drugs and chemical tools, including prodrugs and antedrugs, taught via case studies.
    • How chemists can rationally design or tune properties of a drug/drug-lead by changing structure.

    Spectroscopy of Biological Systems

    • 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

    Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Ethics, Research, Communication, Critical citizenship, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    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, structure determination and biological activity of 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.

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Tuesday 10:00-10:50 9-16, 18-22
    Wednesday 11:00-11:50 9-16, 18-22
    Thursday 09:00-09:50 9-16, 18-22

    Practical

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Monday 14:00-17:50 10-16, 18-20
    A2 Tuesday 14:00-17:50 10-16, 18-20
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