Chemical biology the manipulation of biological systems through the use of tools that have primarily been developed through synthetic chemistry.  This advanced course focuses on providing an introduction to chemical biology via the study of papers published within the last 5 years in scientific journals. Areas that will be covered will include the design and generation of novel enzymes through incorporation of unnatural amino acids, computation design of new enzymes with specific properties, the use of fluorescent chemicals/proteins in biology, combinatorial chemistry and drug design, and glycobiology - the manipulation of sugars that are recognised by cells/proteins. There is no laboratory component to the course and extensive group-based tutorial sessions will be run in which various series of papers will be discussed.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1) Critically assess and analyse contemporary scientific literature. (LO1)

2) Understand the present state of the discipline of chemical biology. (LO2)

3) Have a theoretical understanding of current technques used in chemical biology. (LO3)

4) Have the ability to condense the information found in a series of scientific papers into a concise report. (LO4)

A research project, in which a series of papers will be selected for a critical evaluation, will comprise 25% of the final grade. (LO1 - LO4)

A 30 minute presentation will comprise 10% of the final grade. (LO2 - LO3)

The remaining 65% of the assesment will take the form of a 3-hour exam. (LO2 - LO3)

65 hours of lectures/tutorials plus a further 65 hours of independent learning

Recommended: Some prior understanding of biochemistry and chemistry is strongly recommended.

This course will require strong english-language skills; substantial discussion, reading, written communication and oral presentations in group tutorials.

CHEM2208 is recommended but not formally required. Any students with sufficient points for a BIOL or CHEM major, or BIOCHEM minor would be acceptable.

No prescribed text.  Scientific papers will be provided to students in the course.