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Department of Chemistry, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


CH40036: Biopolymers

Click here for further information Credits: 3
Click here for further information Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 2
Click here for further information Assessment: EX 100%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take CH20149 and while taking this unit you must take CH30039 and take CH30032 and in taking this unit you cannot take CH30036
Click here for further information Description: Aims & Learning Objectives:
To provide an overview of biopolymer structures (carbohydrates, nucleic acids). This overview will form a basis for students to appreciate selected recent developments in carbohydrate and nucleic acid chemistry. After studying this unit, students should be able to:
* Show an appreciation of carbohydrate and nucleic acid chemisty.
* Determine the structure of an unknown polysaccharide.
* Explain what is meant by the terms gene and clone.
* Describe how DNA can be manipulated in the test tube.
* Describe how DNA analysis is useful in forensic science and archeology.
* Apply knowledge to problem-solving exercises in carbohydrate and nucleic acid chemistry.
* Critically evaluate publications from the recent literatire to illustrate the course themes.
* Demonstrate knowledge of selected recent developments in carbohydrate and nucleic acid chemistry.

Content:
Monosaccharide and oligosaccharide chemistry and stereochemistry. Carbohydrates as acetals and hemiacetals, relating them to mainstream organic chemistry. Application of NMR spectroscopy to carbohydrate structures. Synthesis of disaccharides with an emphasis on protecting group strategies. The diversity of naturally occurring carbohydrates in a monomeric and polymeric form and their role in biochemistry. Brief summary of DNA and genes. Manipulating (cutting, pasting and amplifying) DNA with enzymes. DNA fingerprinting and crime/paternity cases. Ancient DNA and archeology. Nanomachines made of DNA.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

CH40036 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Chemistry
  • USCH-AFM05 : MChem (hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery (Full-time) - Year 4
  • USCH-AKM03 : MChem (hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Industrial Training (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • USCH-AAM06 : MChem (hons) Chemistry for Drug Discovery with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4

CH40036 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Chemistry
  • USCH-AKM02 : MChem (hons) Chemistry with Industrial Training (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • USCH-AAM03 : MChem (hons) Chemistry with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • USCH-AFM07 : MSci (hons) Chemistry with Management (Full-time) - Year 4
  • USCH-AKM07 : MSci (hons) Chemistry with Management with Industrial Training (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 5
  • TSCH-AFM01 : MRes Chemistry (Full-time) - Year 1
  • TSCH-AFM04 : MSc Chemistry for Drug Discovery (Full-time) - Year 1

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.