Academic Year:
2020/21
543 - Master's in Molecular Chemistry and Homogeneous Catalysis
60462 - Chemistry at the Frontiers of Biology
Teaching Plan Information
Academic Year:
2020/21
Subject:
60462 - Chemistry at the Frontiers of Biology
Faculty / School:
100 - Facultad de Ciencias
Degree:
543 - Master's in Molecular Chemistry and Homogeneous Catalysis
ECTS:
2.0
Year:
1
Semester:
Second semester
Subject Type:
Optional
Module:
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1.1. Aims of the course
To provide students with knowledge on the main organic biomolecules involved in biological processes and the importance of metals in biomolecules and enzymes.
To train students in the design of synthetic strategies for the preparation of biomolecules and its structural analogues in enantiomerically pure form.
To provide insight into the applicability of enzymes in organic synthesis (with focus on the preparation of the main biomolecules).
1.2. Context and importance of this course in the degree
Chemistry at the Frontiers of Biology is a 2 ECTS optional course, which is taught in the second semester, and it is part of the module Horizons in Molecular Chemistry and Catalysis. The course aims to show the importance of applying chemistry principles to understand biological processes at molecular level and to the preparation of biologically active molecules. The study of the structure, chemical behaviour and function of natural products and compounds of biological interest will be addressed. In addition, the synthesis of simple biomolecules and their corresponding analogues will be covered, and the importance of structural modification for modulating biological activity will be highlighted. The course applies concepts of synthetic organic chemistry acquired in previous courses, such as, Strategies in Advanced Organic Synthesis, to the preparation of carbohydrates, amino acids, nucleosides and their analogues. In addition, it offers the students insight into the importance of metals in biomolecules (mainly as parts of enzymes) and the applicability of enzymatic catalysis for the preparation of biomolecules in enantiomerically pure form. The impact of this type of catalytic processes from the industrial point of view is shown Throughout the course, those aspects that stand out for its novelty and current interest are addressed.
1.3. Recommendations to take this course
It is highly desirable to have a degree in Chemistry, although the course is also suited to graduates from related disciplines. Attendance to lectures and continued work has a significant impact on performance.
2.1. Competences
To be able to understand the biochemical behaviour of the main organic biomolecules and inorganic elements
Capacity to recognize the impact that structural changes in simple biomolecules play in their biological activity
To be able to design syntheses of analogues of biomolecules that mimic the activity of the natural substances
To be able to apply the knowledge of enzymatic catalysis to synthesis
2.2. Learning goals
To stablish relationships between structure and chemical properties of natural products and biologically active compounds
To understand changes in biological activity as consequences of structural changes
To design organic synthesis of natural products and biologically active compounds
To design non-natural analogues of biologically active compounds
To understand the biochemical behaviour of the inorganic elements
To know the biochemical activity of essential trace elements
To solve problems and questions with critical thinking
2.3. Importance of learning goals
The knowledge and understanding of the subject shall enable students to acquire expertise in the field of molecular chemistry and catalysis. Specifically, they will be able to understand biological processes at the molecular level and be aware of methods for the preparation of biologically active compounds of importance in enantiomerically pure form.
3. Assessment (1st and 2nd call)
3.1. Assessment tasks (description of tasks, marking system and assessment criteria)
Continuous assessment
This mode of assessment includes the following activities:
1. Preparation of a written assignment based on a scientific paper or a specific topic related to the contents of the course. The critical discussion will be taken into account.
Rated as 40% of the final mark.
2. Written exam based on theory problems and questions.
Rated as 60% of the final mark.
Continuous assessment grade = 60% of the written exam + 40% of the written assignment
Minimum mark threshold: 5 out of 10 points.
Summative assessment
Students who do not meet the minimum mark threshold during continuous assessment may pass the course in a summative assessment, which will take place according to the official final examination schedule of Universidad de Zaragoza. The summative assessment includes a written exam with problems and questions on important content of the course.
Students have also the option to improve their final grade of continuous assessment in the summative assessment.
The number of official examination calls per registration and their use will be subjected to the statements of the Regulation of Permanence in Master Studies and the Regulation of the Learning Assessment (https://ciencias.unizar.es/normativas-asuntos-academicos). The latest document will also regulate the general design and scoring criteria of the assessment activities, as well as the exam schedules and timetable for the post-examination review.
4. Methodology, learning tasks, syllabus and resources
4.1. Methodological overview
The learning methods and strategies designed for the course are based on lectures, which should provide an interactive environment to discuss the course contents, and seminars that should reinforce some of the topics. Specifically, seminars are aimed at addressing problems/questions and contemporary developments in the fields of chemistry and biology.
On the other hand, students will undertake a formative written assignment that will require a specialized literature search to choose a current topic in order to reinforce or extend the course contents.
4.2. Learning tasks
The course includes the following learning tasks:
Lectures (1.5 ECTS).
Teaching and assessment activities will be carried out in the classroom with all students in person unless, due to the health situation, the provisions issued by the competent authorities and by the University of Zaragoza arrange to carry them out by telematics means. If the number of enrolled students exceeds the established capacity of the classroom, the teaching will follow the guidelines of the Faculty of Sciences and/or the University of Zaragoza. Tutorial activity will be carried out mainly in remote using on-line tools.
Seminars (0.5 ECTS).
Written assignment.
4.3. Syllabus
The course will address the following topics:
Topic 1. Chemistry at the frontiers of biology. Biomolecules.
Topic 2. Amino acid and peptide asymmetric synthesis (chemical and enzymatic). Non-natural amino acids. Applications.
Topic 3. Metal-containing biomolecules. Metalloproteins.
Topic 4. Carbohydrate chemistry. Chemical glycobiology.
Topic 5. Chemistry of nucleosides and nucleotides. Applications.