Advanced Biocatalysis, Biosynthesis and Chemical Biology
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| CHEM4030 | Chemistry | 4 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- CHEM4030
- School
- Chemistry
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This module consists of three separately taught topics unified by advanced biomolecular chemistry: Advanced Chemical Biology (Dr Nicholas Mitchell) and Biocatalysis/Biosynthesis (Dr James Dowden).
Advanced Chemical Biology: An overview of several complimentary themes within the field of chemical biology, including: the use of bio-orthogonal/bioconjugate reactions to probe cellular functions; activity-based profiling/proteomics; photochemical control of biological processes; chemical space and chemically diverse libraries; imaging and sensing.
Biocatalysis: An overview of the application of enzymes in organic synthesis will be examined including key examples of the application of biocatalysts in industry. Modern methods for designing new biocatalysts will be considered, including directed evolution and rational design.
Biosynthesis: A molecular view of the biosynthetic pathways that give primary metabolites (e.g. fatty acids) or secondary metabolites including those belonging to the terpenoid, alkaloid, polyketide, and non-ribosomal peptide type of natural products will be described.
Target Students
MSci Chemistry OR MSci Medicinal and Biological Chemistry OR MSci Chemistry and Molecular Physics OR MSci Biochemistry and Biological Chemistry OR Natural Sciences AND Level 4 students.
Classes
- Three 1-hour workshops each week for 2 weeks
- Three 1-hour lectures each week for 7 weeks
Assessment
- 100% Exam 1 (2-hour): Written Examination - 2 hours. If a further re-assessment is allowed under Undergraduate Course Regulation 19, the form of the re-assessment for this module will be 100% coursework.
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
Advanced Chemical Biology: To introduce the concepts of chemical genetics, activity-based protein profiling, bio-orthogonal reactivity and the interrogation of biological activity using small-molecule chemical probes. Biocatalysis: To introduce enzyme engineering and the synthetic utility of designer biocatalysts, especially highlighting chemo-enzymatic approaches toward chiral commodity molecules (e.g. pharmaceuticals) and their precursors. Biosynthesis: To introduce the biosynthetic pathways and enzyme catalysed reactions leading to natural products, such as terpenes, alkaloids, fatty acids. polyketides, and non-ribosomal peptides.Learning Outcomes
On completing this module, the student will be able to:
Advanced Chemical Biology: Critically evaluate modern techniques in chemical biology that bridge chemistry and biology/medicine, describe their applications within fundamental biology and drug discovery. Suggest methods to incorporate chemical ‘tags’ into biological molecules to enable site-specific modifications or construct designer biomolecules. Be able to design molecular affinity probes and biomolecule labelling tags for screening and proteomics. Discuss approaches to the production of chemically diverse libraries of bio-active compounds.
Consider enzymes as part of their ‘biocatalytic toolbox’ when designing routes to molecules. Have an appreciation for the techniques involved in engineering enzymes for applications in (industrial) synthesis. Understand aspects of enzyme and co-enzyme chemistry.
Biosynthesis: Critically evaluate natural products and propose biosynthetic pathways and precursors. Suggest molecular experiments to evaluate such proposals. Be able to communicate mechanisms involved in biosynthesis.