CH3113: Chemical Biology I: Cells and The Molecules of Life

School Cardiff School of Chemistry
Department Code CHEMY
Module Code CH3113
External Subject Code F100
Number of Credits 10
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Professor Gerald Richter
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2013/4

Outline Description of Module

This module deals with the molecules of life, including DNA, RNA, proteins and carbohydrates and reinforces the idea that cells follow the laws and concepts of chemistry. It will explain some of the key processes, and introduce the broad picture of how molecules interact in the maintenance of life.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

a) understand that all biological systems use the same principles at the molecular level;

b) describe the structural differences between nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, recognising the key functional groups;

c) understand the size of macromolecules – DNA, RNA, proteins and carbohydrates – and identify functional groups and relate these to simple chemical structures;

d) explain the different types of non-covalent interactions by reference to specific examples;

e) define the terms receptor and ligand, and relate these to the interaction of small drug molecules with biological systems;

f) use the concepts of hydrogen-bonding, van der Waals interactions, hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions and salt bridges and perceive how these interactions can exist between small molecules and receptors;

g) relate fundamental reaction mechanisms to those in more complex biological situations;

h) understand how absorption, translocation and binding are important in drug delivery.

How the module will be delivered

16 x 1h Lectures, 5 x 2h Workshops

Skills that will be practised and developed

Intellectual skills

The student will be able to interpret diagrams concerning complex structures and make logical deductions about properties from them.

Chemistry-specific skills

The student will be able to:

a) relate fundamental chemical principles learned from small molecules to the behaviour of large molecules – in connection with functional group reactivity and factors affecting molecular shape and interactions;

b) identify functional groups in large molecular systems, and relate these to the behaviour chemically and in terms of intramolecular and intermolecular interactions including drug-receptor interactions;

c) extend their view of the interdisciplinary nature of science, especially at the chemistry-biology interface.

Transferable skills

The student will be able to:

a) use a computer modelling package to study geometrical properties and relate this to bonding interactions.

b) develop communication skills and the ability to locate, assimilate and present scientific data.

How the module will be assessed

A written exam (1 h) will test the student’s knowledge and understanding as elaborated under the learning outcomes. The coursework (workshops and an oral presentation) will allow the student to demonstrate his/her ability to judge, critically review and present relevant information.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Exam - Spring Semester 80 Chemical Biology I: Cells And The Molecules Of Life 1
Written Assessment 20 Workshops And Oral Presentation N/A

Syllabus content

Introduction to the molecules of life – overview of DNA,  RNA, amino acids and proteins, sugars and carbohydrates, and lipids.

Cells obeying the laws of chemistry.

The chemistry of key processes and metabolic pathways.

Mechanisms in biological chemistry – comparison of reagents used in nature and reagents used in the laboratory  NaBH₄vs NADH.

The importance of non-covalent interactions – hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions, hydrogen-bonding, salt bridges and van der Waals interactions.

The fundamental chemistry of nucleotides, nucleosides, RNA and DNA, emphasising the role of hydrogen bonding in molecular recognition.

Drug molecules – the concept of how a small molecule drug can enter the body, locate and bind to a receptor and elicit a biological response.

Essential Reading and Resource List

An up-to-date indicative reading list will be included in the Course Handbook.


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