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Chemistry-Biology Interface - CHE00055M

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  • Department: Chemistry
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Martin Fascione
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

This module will survey contemporary research at the interface between chemistry and biology – using both organic and inorganic chemical methods to ask and answer questions about biological systems.

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This module will survey contemporary research at the interface between chemistry and biology – using both organic and inorganic chemical methods to ask and answer questions about biological systems. The module will provide an overview of how chemists can hijack biological systems using bioorthogonal chemical tools, focussing on both the mechanisms of synthetic organic and enzymatic transformations, and how we can model the high efficiency of enzymes – in particular focussing on ‘difficult’ reactions. The course will also demonstrate how biology can be subverted through new biomedical approaches, whilst also acting as a source of inspiration for the evolution of bio-transformations and the development ‘greener’ chemical materials based on renewable, biologically compatible resources.

Module learning outcomes

Part I: Bioorganic chemistry and chemical biology

  • Students will be able to explain how chemical tools can be used to hijack the cell’s own machinery using metabolic labelling and how unnatural amino acid mutagenesis can be used to introduce unnatural functionality which allows biomolecule function to be probed and perturbed.
  • Students will recognise in depth organic mechanisms of bioorthogonal reactions.
  • Students will be able to explain how directed evolution techniques can be used to modulate and enhance the function of biological molecules in vitro and genome editing techniques to modulate phenotypes in vivo.

Part II: Bioinorganic chemistry

  • Students will be able to discuss the synthesis and characterisation of models of enzyme active sites.
  • Students will be able to explain how biomimetic systems can be applied in green chemical technology and materials science.
  • Students will be able to explain the molecular basis of biomimicry.

Module content

Part (i): Bioorganic Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Bioorthogonal bioconjugation reactions (3 lectures, MAF)

Unnatural amino acid mutagenesis. Organic mechanisms of ‘click’ reactions using azides, alkynes and alkenes, including CuAAC and tetrazine ligation, and aldehyde bioconjugations.

Hijacking the cell’s metabolic machinery with chemical tools (3 lectures, LIW)

Principles of feeding cells with modified biomolecules for cellular studies of these biomolecules using bioorthogonal chemistry, and metabolic inhibition of biosynthetic pathways.

Evolving biomolecules (4 lectures, CS)

Principles of directed evolution, the design and use of artificial enzymes, Phage display and related techniques along with chemical strategies to improve biomolecule evolution.

Genome editing (2 lectures, MAF)

Principles of gene editing methods including CRISPR-Cas9 and their application in modulation of phenotypes in vivo.

Virtual “walk-through” answer session for practice open book exam question (1h, MAF)

Part (ii): Bioinorganic Chemistry

Bioinorganic Model Complexes I (5 lectures, PHW)

Principles of inorganic models; reasons for models. Models of haemoglobin and myoglobin. Other O2-transport proteins: haemocyanin, haemerthyrin. Copper oxidases for cellulose degradation.

Bioinorganic Model Complexes II (6 lectures, AKDK)

Bioinorganic Organometallic Chemistry. Artificial metalloenzymes.

Molybdenum and Iron enzymes (5 lectures, AP)

Examples of mononuclear Mo/W enzymes, incl nitrate reductase, aldehyde oxidase, xanthine oxidase. Hydrogenases (how biology handles hydrogen). Models of nitrogenase.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Open exam : Chemistry-Biology Interface exam		 2 hours 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Online open book 2 hour exam consisting of 2 x 20 mark questions. To be submitted via the VLE within the 24h assessment window.

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Open exam : Chemistry-Biology Interface exam		 2 hours 100

Module feedback

Exam results with per-question breakdown are returned to the students via supervisors within 5 weeks (as per special approval by the University Teaching Committee). Outline answers are made available via the Chemistry web pages or VLE when the students receive their marks, so that they can assess their own detailed progress/achievement.

Indicative reading

This is a research-led course so up-to-date scientific publications will form the majority of the reading


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.