CHEM 2540 - Medicinal & Biological Chemistry II

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2015

An introduction to the principles and methods of medicinal chemistry including natural product and biopolymer isolation, lead generation, lead optimisation and quantitative structure-activity relationships will be presented. An introduction to the principles of biophysical chemistry will be presented, which will include techniques focused on enzyme activity and inhibition. The different classes of biologically important molecules will be introduced, including discussion on their biosynthesis. An introduction to metalloprotein and bioinorganic chemistry will be presented, including discussion of the structure and function of metalloenzymes and metalloproteins.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code CHEM 2540
    Course Medicinal & Biological Chemistry II
    Coordinating Unit School of Physical Sciences
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 7.5 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites CHEM 1100 & 1200 or CHEM 1101, 1201 & chem 1312
    Course Description An introduction to the principles and methods of medicinal chemistry including natural product and biopolymer isolation, lead generation, lead optimisation and quantitative structure-activity relationships will be presented. An introduction to the principles of biophysical chemistry will be presented, which will include techniques focused on enzyme activity and inhibition. The different classes of biologically important molecules will be introduced, including discussion on their biosynthesis. An introduction to metalloprotein and bioinorganic chemistry will be presented, including discussion of the structure and function of metalloenzymes and metalloproteins.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Tak Kee

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    No information currently available.

    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1-6
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1,2,4,5
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 3,6
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 6
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 6
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1-6
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1-6
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources

    Recommended Resources

    Biophysical Chemistry: ‘Physical Chemistry for the Biosciences’, (Chang, 1st Edition, University Science Books, 2005) ISBN: 1891389335

    Bioinorganic Chemistry: ‘Inorganic Chemistry’ (Shriver & Atkins, 3rd Edition, Oxford University Press, 1999) - later edition available as well

    Medicinal Chemistry: ‘An Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry’ (G. L. Patrick: 3rd Edition, Oxford University Press, 2005)

    Bioorganic Chemistry: To be announced.

    Online Learning

    MyUni: Teaching materials and course documentation will be posted on the MyUni website (http://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/).

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    Lectures 36 x 50-minute sessions with three sessions per week

    Tutorials 11 x 50-minute sessions with one session per week

    Practicals 8 x 5-hour sessions

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).

    Learning Activities Summary

    The course content includes the following:

    Bio-thermodynamics and Enzyme Kinetics.
    Role of thermodynamics and kinetics with specific applications in drug binding, dialysis and osmosis.

    Metalloproteins and Enzymes
    An introduction to the arena of biomimetic inorganic chemistry will be presented, including extensive discussion of the structure and function of metalloenzymes. This section will emphasise how the principles of nature can be applied to the rational design of metallic species capable of controlled nitrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and methane activation.

    Principles of Medicinal Chemistry
    An introduction to the principles of medicinal chemistry including synthesis, natural product isolation, lead generation, lead optimisation and quantitative structure-activity relationships will be presented. The principles of parallel and combinatorial synthesis will be presented in this context.

    Natural Products and Bio-Polymers
    DNA/RNA, terpenes and alkaloids. Concept of natural molecules as targets and leads. Introduction to the biosynthesis of these compounds.

    Practicals
    The practical exercises will provide students with "hands on" experience in the synthesis and analysis of molecules of medicinal and biological relevance.

    Tutorials
    Tutorials will be used to reinforce the concepts introduced in lectures.

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment taskType of assessmentPercentage of total assessment for grading purposesHurdle (Yes/No)Outcomes being assessed
    Assignments Summative 10% No 1 – 6
    Extended Practical Report Summative 5% No 6
    Practical Reports Formative & Summative 25% Yes (60%) 1 – 6
    Exam Summative 60% Yes (45%) 1 – 6
    Assessment Related Requirements

    Practical work is compulsory – This includes conduct of required experimental work, attendance at demonstrator interviews (as required) and submission of the laboratory reports.

    To pass this course students must:

    • Attain a minimum of 60% for the practical reports:
      Students who do not attain this minimum requirement will not be offered an additional assessment.
    • Attain a minimum of 45% for the exam:
      Students who attain a final course grade of at least 45% but do not attain a minimum of 45% for the exam may be offered an Additional Academic Exam during the Replacement/Additional Assessment period, in line with the Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy.
    Assessment Detail

    Assignments
    This assessment activity specifically covers lecture course content and is designed to encourage students to engage with the subject matter through the semester (4 short-answer assignments). The assignments are supported and enhanced by students’ participation in tutorials.

    Extended Practical Report
    This assessment activity addresses the scientific communication aspects in the chemical laboratories. Students will write the extended practical report based on the contents in one of the short practical reports.

    Practical Reports
    This assessment activity comprehensively addresses the practical aspects of chemistry and competent training in the techniques employed in chemical laboratories (8 short, hand-written practical r eports submitted in class).

    An opportunity to make-up a maximum of one missed practical session may be offered during the semester. Students must contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible if they have missed their practical as practical classes are often full and additional space is often unavailable.

    Final exam
    This assessment activity comprehensively addresses the learning outcomes

     

    Submission

    Submission of Assigned Work
    Coversheets must be completed and attached to all submitted work. Coversheets can be obtained from the School Office (room G33 Physics) or from MyUNI. Work should be submitted via the assignment drop box at the School Office.

    Extensions for Assessment Tasks
    Extensions of deadlines for assessment tasks may be allowed for reasonable causes. Such situations would include compassionate and medical grounds of the severity that would justify the awarding of a supplementary examination. Evidence for the grounds must be provided when an extension is requested. Students are required to apply for an extension to the Course Coordinator before the assessment task is due. Extensions will not be provided on the grounds of poor prioritising of time. 

    Late submission of assessments
    If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days or more late without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the mark.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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