Bio-organic Chemistry

Year
2
Academic year
2019-2020
Code
01551186
Subject Area
CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
6.0
Type
Compulsory
Level
1st Cycle Studies

Recommended Prerequisites

The students should have basic knowledge on chemistry and biology acquired before university and during the first year of the course.

Teaching Methods

The theoretical component is presented through lectures where critical discussion of the subjects is stimulated. The slides presented are available to students. The fundamental concepts are illustrated with examples and recent scientific discoveries.
In lab classes, students (groups of 2) perform experiments related to topics taught in lectures.
Theoretical evaluation through written exam (14 out of 20). Evaluation of the lab component (6 out of 20) covers: performance in the lab, lab notebook, mini-tests and oral presentation of a recent scientific paper.

Learning Outcomes

The goals of this curricular unit are:

To acquire knowledge and skills in Bioorganic Chemistry.
To acquire skills to classify biomolecules, to predict their reactivity and their biological functions.
To develop the ability to integrate knowledge of chemistry and biology and to observe biological phenomena under a chemical point of view.
To develop the ability to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying biological processes and its modulation for the production of chemical and biotechnological products, as well as to understand the mechanisms of diseases and the process of drug development.  

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1 - Reactivity of organic compounds. Stereoselectivity of chemical reactions.
2 - Carbohydrates. Classification and stereoisomerism. Occurrence, structure and biological relevance of mono-, di- and polysaccharides. Structure, function and biological relevance of important derivatives: pectin, heparin, proteoglycans, sialic acids.
3 - Aminoacids and proteins. Classification and structure of aminoacids. Classification of proteins based on solubility, shape and function. Peptide bond. Enzymatic catalysis. Biocatalysis.
4 - Lipids. Fatty acids: classification, structure and properties. Phospholipids, prostaglandins, cholesterol, steroids, lipids functional glycolipids.
5 - Nucleic acids: basic structure and three-dimensional biological implications. Structure of purines, pyrimidines, nucleosides and nucleotides.
6 - Molecules of the Central Nervous System
7 - Vitamins: structure, function and biological activity.
8 - Drugs: examples relationships and structure – activity.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria Manuel da Cruz Silva

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Synthesis work: 10.0%
Laboratory work or Field work: 20.0%
Exam: 70.0%

Bibliography

Francis A. Carey. Organic Chemistry. 3rd Edition. McGraw-Hill Ed. 1996

Eugene H. Cordes. The Tao of Chemistry and Life. A scientific journey. Oxford University Press. 2009

C. M. Dobson, J. A. Gerrard, A. J. Pratt. Foundations of Chemical Biology. Oxford Science Publications. 2012

David Van Vranken, Gregory A. Weiss. Introduction to Bioorganic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Publisher: Garland Science; ISBN-10: 0815342144.