CHEM3550

Medicinal and Biological Chemistry

10 Units 3000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus Semester 2

Previously offered in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004

This course is designed to examine chemistry at the important interface between the chemical and biological sciences. The basic principles of synthetic and structural chemistry are applied to examination of the synthesis of biologically active molecules and drugs, and the structure, activity and interaction of biomolecules, including metalloproteins and natural products. The course aims to develop an understanding of the key features of the rational design of new medicinal agents. The importance of close links between the biological and chemical sciences will become apparent.

The course forms part of the accredited degree program required for Membership of Royal Australian Chemical Institute Inc. and Chartered Chemist qualifications.

This course has compulsory course components and students must:
1. must participate in and submit laboratory reports for the established minimum requirements and obtain a minimum passing grade of 50%; and
2. obtain a minimum passing grade of 40% in the final, end-of-semester examination for the course.

In order to participate in this course, students must complete a compulsory Health and Safety requirement. Students will receive full information on this compulsory component in the course outline provided by the school.

Objectives On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. to develop expertise relevant to the professional practice of medicinal and biological chemistry
2. to develop an understanding of the range and chemistry of compounds of biological or medicinal relevance
3. to establish an appreciation of the role of the chemist in investigations of biological molecules
4. to develop an understanding of the role of the chemist in the development of drugs and pharmaceuticals
5. to provide an understanding of the principal tasks for the synthesis or isolation and characterization of natural molecules and proto-drugs
6. to provide experience in the scientific methods employed in natural products, bioinorganic and medicinal chemistry
7. to develop skills in procedures and instrumental methods applied in structure determination of natural molecules
8. to further develop skills in the scientific method of planning, developing, conducting, reviewing and reporting experiments
9. to develop some understanding of the professional, legal and safety responsibilities residing in working with natural and pharmaceutical products
Content The course involves study of:
1) Natural Compounds:
a) the isolation of compounds from natural organisms such as bacteria, fungi, plants and invertebrate animals
b) applications of isolated compounds
2) Metal-containing Natural Compounds:
a) metal ions in natural systems, particularly metalloproteins and metalloenzymes
b) the role of the metal ion in these biomolecules
c) the development of synthetic model systems to mimic natural enzymes
3) Medicinal Compounds:
a) the range and role of synthetic molecules in medicine
b) current approaches to the chemical synthesis of new drugs
c) current approaches to the rational design and development of new drugs.
Replacing Course(s) NA
Transition NA
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge CHEM2210 and CHEM2310
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Problem Based Learning
Lecture
Laboratory
Practical
Tutorial
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments
Examination: Formal This is a compulsory course component. Students must obtain a minimum passing grade of 40% in the final, end-of-semester examination for the course in order to demonstrate that they have fulfilled course objectives relating to the understanding of the material expounded during lectures and/or described in assigned readings.

On achieving a passing grade, a final mark will be given in the course and it will be recorded that the student has satisfied the compulsory course component. Students who fail to satisfy the compulsory course component will be awarded a zero mark and a FF grade, irrespective of their final numeric mark. In such case, the normal avenues of appeal open to them.
Laboratory Exercises This course has a compulsory course component in its laboratory component. Students must participate in and submit reports for the established minimum requirements and obtain a passing grade of at least 50% in order to demonstrate that the student has fulfilled course objectives relating to appropriate laboratory skills and professional and safety responsibilities. On achieving the passing grade, a final mark will be given in the course and it will be recorded that the student satisfied the compulsory course component. For those students who fail to satisfy the compulsory course component will have the normal avenues of appeal open to them.

Make-up provisions
Students who are unable to complete the required number of laboratory exercises for reasons beyond their control will be offered the opportunity to make up at least one experiment at the discretion of the Discipline of Chemistry.
Contact Hours Lecture: for 2 hour(s) per Week for 13 weeks
Tutorial: for 1 hour(s) per Week for 12 weeks
Laboratory: for 3 hour(s) per Week for 12 weeks
Compulsory Components
Compulsory Course Component OHS-Safety Induction or Risk Assessment. In order to participate in this course, students must complete a compulsory safety induction.
Compulsory Course Component In order to meet course objectives aligned with the students' understanding of, and ability to manipulate and apply the theoretical concepts which form the core of the material expounding during lectures and/or described in assigned readings, students must:
1. must participate in and submit laboratory reports for the established minimum requirements and obtain a minimum passing grade of 50%; and
2. obtain a minimum passing grade of 40% in the final, end-of-semester examination for the course.
Timetables 2014 Course Timetables for CHEM3550