2005 Handbooks

Biological systems carry out a huge range of complex organic reactions to achieve growth, to reproduce and to compete. The two units, CHEM340 and CHEM341, examine advanced topics in organic chemistry, relevant to biology and biological systems. They are offered in alternate years. CHEM340 has an underlying theme of the structure and reactivity of proteins. Specific topics include: carboxylic acids and amines; amino acids, peptides and proteins; lipids; biosynthesis; spectroscopic identification of organic compounds. These topics build upon the foundation of unit CHEM204 (Organic Synthesis), using the same text book supplemented by notes given out in lectures and inexpensive Oxford chemistry primers on specialised topics. This unit requires good skills in organic chemistry; a background in other aspects of chemistry and/or biochemistry would be advantageous. The laboratory sessions are aimed at developing skills in organic synthesis, using reactions studied in lectures and in the spectroscopic identification of organic compounds.