CH2PC2-Aspects of chemical biology

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr John McKendrick
Email: j.e.mckendrick@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces the concepts and general principles relating to chemical biology. This is are large and generally ill-defined area at the interface between Chemistry and Biology. It is this interface that this module will explore as various topics in this field are explored and the Chemistry and Biology underpinning the work is explored and placed in context. This module explores work at the research end of the Pharmaceutical spectrum and as such gives a glimpse of how newÌý targets and ideas may be found that mark the very beginning of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient discovery and development.

Aims:

1. To introduce the field of Chemical Biology and outline its scope and the issues that arise from this diversity;


2. To explore aspects of chemical biology to see how it can be approached from a chemistry point of view or a Biology point of view;


3. To understand some simple applications of chemistry to explore a biology problem;


4. To explore how Biological techniques may be deployed to probe a biochemical problem prior to a defined molecular entity is identified.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Appreciate the importance of Chemistry in biology.

Understand some topical examples of chemistry in action in a biological environment.

Be familiar with the main functional elements of biology – Proteins/Enzymes; DNA/RNA and Lipids and some of the chemical principles that underpins these.

Additional outcomes:

Through problem-based learning and self-directed learning the student will develop communication skills and the development of self-learning skills for lifelong learning. Through directed reading the student will learn to survey, retrieve and organise published relevant material from electronic and other sources. Students will develop advanced preparative and analytical chemistry skills, particularly within bioinorganic chemistry, as well as problem-solving skills.

Outline content:

A series of topics from the current Chemical Biology literature will be explored. The module will feature instructor led classes and student led discussion topics.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The course content will be provided through a mixture of formal lectures, workshops / seminars. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided and facilities for computer-aided literature searching for additional re levant materials will enable students to improve their own learning skills.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods: