2007 Handbooks

Biological systems carry out a huge range of complex organic reactions to achieve growth, to reproduce and to compete. The two units, CBMS340 and CBMS341, examine advanced topics in organic chemistry, relevant to biology and biological systems. They are offered in alternate years. CBMS341 has an underlying theme of the structure and reactivity of DNA. Specific topics include: sugar chemistry; aromaticity; heterocyclic chemistry; nucleotides, DNA and RNA; photochemistry and pericyclic reactions. These topics build upon the foundation of CBMS204 (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 earlier years.