CHEM 3214 - Medicinal and Biological Chemistry III

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2014

An introduction to the principles of medicinal chemistry including natural product isolation, lead generation, lead optimisation and quantitative structure-activity relationships will be presented. The principles of parallel and combinatorial synthesis will be described in this context. Applications of mass spectrometry, and other techniques to the structure determination of biologically important molecules (particularly proteins) will be discussed. The chemistry of a number of key biological processes (e.g. enzyme chemistry, action of antibiotics on membranes etc.) will also be presented, including an introduction to the arena of biomimetic organic chemistry. This section will emphasise how the principles of nature can be applied to the rational design of complex molecules. Bioinorganic chemistry will be presented, with a focus on electron transfer reactions in biological systems. Marcus theory of electron transfer will be introduced. Examples of electron transfer proteins will be given, including those containing haem moieties, copper centres, and iron sulfer clusters, and the importance of these proteins will be discussed, including their roles in the mitochondrial respiratory electron transfer chain.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code CHEM 3214
    Course Medicinal and Biological Chemistry III
    Coordinating Unit School of Chemistry & Physics(Inactive)
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 9 hours per week
    Prerequisites CHEM 2510 & CHEM 2520 or equivalent
    Assumed Knowledge CHEM 3111
    Course Description An introduction to the principles of medicinal chemistry including natural product isolation, lead generation, lead optimisation and quantitative structure-activity relationships will be presented. The principles of parallel and combinatorial synthesis will be described in this context. Applications of mass spectrometry, and other techniques to the structure determination of biologically important molecules (particularly proteins) will be discussed. The chemistry of a number of key biological processes (e.g. enzyme chemistry, action of antibiotics on membranes etc.) will also be presented, including an introduction to the arena of biomimetic organic chemistry. This section will emphasise how the principles of nature can be applied to the rational design of complex molecules. Bioinorganic chemistry will be presented, with a focus on electron transfer reactions in biological systems. Marcus theory of electron transfer will be introduced. Examples of electron transfer proteins will be given, including those containing haem moieties, copper centres, and iron sulfer clusters, and the importance of these proteins will be discussed, including their roles in the mitochondrial respiratory electron transfer chain.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor David Huang

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Apply knowledge of synthetic bioorganic chemistry to the design of bioactive compounds.
    2 Understand the mechanisms for biological activity and key biological reactions.
    3 Understand the theory and importance of electron transfer in biological systems.
    4 Describe the types of electron transfer centres and proteins that are commonly used to tightly regulate electron transfer in biology.
    5 Explain the workings of the pharmaceutical industry.
    6 Explain the design of protease inhibitors and their potential use as pharmaceuticals.
    7 Interpret mass spectra to determine peptide and protein structure.
    8 Undertake laboratory investigations using appropriate apparatus.
    9 Conduct, analyse and interpret results of an experiment, and effectively communicate these in written reports.



    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. 1-9
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1, 2, 6, 7, 9
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 8, 9
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1-9
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 2, 3, 4, 5, 9
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1-9
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 5, 9
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources

    There is no prescribed text for this course.

    Recommended Resources
    • ‘Organic Chemistry’ (Bruice, 5th Edition, Pearson Education, 2007)
    • ‘Organic Chemistry’ (Clayden, Greeves, Warren and Wothers, Oxford University Press, 2001)
    • ‘Inorganic Chemistry’ (Shriver & Atkins, 5th Edition, Oxford University Press, 2010)
    • 'Inorganic Chemistry' (Housecroft & Sharp, 4th Edition, Pearson, 2012)
    • ‘Physical Chemistry’ (Atkins, 8th Edition, Oxford University Press, 2006)
    • ‘A Guide to Lasers in Chemistry’ (Van Hecke & Karukstis, Jones & Bartlett, 1998)
    • 'Spectrometric Identification of Organic Compounds' (Silverstein, 7th Edition, Wiley Press, 2005)
    • 'SI Chemical Data' (Aylward, 6th Edition, Wiley Press, 2007)
    • ‘Modern Physical Organic Chemistry’ (Ansyln and Dougherty, University Science Books)
    • Molecular Spectroscopy’ (Banwell, 4th Ed., McGraw Hill, 1994) out of print

    All of these texts (except where noted) are available for purchase from UniBooks and all are available for loan from the Barr Smith library. Some are also available for consultation in the Chemistry Resource Centre (Rm 120, Johnson Laboratories).

    References to other material and recent literature will be given in lectures.

    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 12 x 2-hour sessions with one session per week
    Practicals 8 x 6-hour sessions with one session per week
    Tutorials 11 x 50-minute sessions with one session per week

    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

    Coursework
    Bioorganic Chemistry
    Bioinorganic Chemistry
    Medicinal Chemistry
    Biological Structure Determination

    Practicals
    Practical exercises will provide students with "hands on" experience in the quantitative use of various analytical methods. In addition, students will be involved in the analysis of "real world" chemical samples.

    Tutorials
    Tutorials will be used to reinforce the concepts introduced in lectures through a combination of quantitative problem solving (what is present, and in what quantity), a discussion of the operational principles, including the strengths and weaknesses of various quantitative chemical methods, and consideration of appropriate possible solutions to chemical problems that have been identified through quantitative chemical analysis.

  • 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
    Practical Formative & Summative 30% Yes (60%) 1-9
    Exam Summative 70% Yes (45%) 1-7
    Assessment Related Requirements

    Practical work is compulsory – This includes attendance, conduct of required experimental work, attendance at demonstrator interviews (as required) and submission of laboratory reports. Practical work constitutes 30% of the total assessment.

    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

    Examination
    The end-of-semester examination will be based primarily on lecture/tutorial material. Students must sit the exam and achieve a minimum mark of 45% in order to pass the course.

    Practical
    The laboratory course is worth 30% of your assessment at Level 3. Attendance at practical sessions is compulsory, and students must achieve a minimum overall mark of 60% for the practical component to pass the course.

     

    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. The assessment extension application form can be obtained from: http://www.sciences.adelaide.edu.au/current/ 

    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.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.