Miniproject with Chemistry - Biology Interface - CHE00065M
Module summary
Miniproject
This module builds on MChem-only module Advanced Topics & Practical, developing advanced specialism content of the Chemistry degree programme, and encompassing group work and research-level investigation, to complete students’ preparation for the final year of the MChem programme.
Chemistry - Biology Interface
This module will survey contemporary research at the interface between chemistry and biology – using chemical methods to ask and answer questions about biological systems.
Related modules
Prohibited combinations
- Miniproject with Sustainable Advanced Synthesis (CHE00064M)
- Miniproject with Measurement Science in the Natural World (CHE00066M)
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2026-27 |
Module aims
Miniproject
Building on prior Year 1-2 Skills & Practical modules, and Year 3 MChem Advanced Topics & Practical, this module develops more advanced skills and knowledge that are relevant to the MChem programme. Specific aims are:
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To develop students’ group working and problem solving skills, as they engage with a research-like experience, conducting unscripted experimental work in the Group Miniprojects
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To develop students’ data organisation and scientific writing skills, as they write a significant report on their Group Miniproject.
Chemistry - Biology Interface
This module will survey contemporary research at the interface between chemistry and biology – using chemical methods to ask and answer questions about biological systems. The module will provide an overview of how chemists can utilise enzymes as catalysts for synthesis, focusing on both the bioorganic and bioinorganic, including the development of artificial metalloenzymes. The course will also demonstrate how biology can act as a source of inspiration for the evolution of bio-transformations, and incorporation of unnatural functionality into proteins.
Module learning outcomes
Miniproject
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Plan and execute experiments as part of a research project
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Write a project report, encompassing experimental results and analysis in comparison with relevant scientific literature.
Chemistry - Biology Interface
Students will be able to recognise and rationalise mechanisms of enzymatic catalysis.
Students will be able to explain how unnatural amino acid mutagenesis and 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.
Students will be able to recognise and rationalise mechanisms of artificial metalloenzymes.
Module content
Miniproject
This element develops students’ group working and problem solving skills, as they engage with a research-like experience. Students work together in small groups to plan and carry out experiments, over the course of ~8 days, to conduct an investigation. The Group Miniproject concludes with writing and submitting an individual report, based on the group’s findings. Each group’s Miniproject is overseen by an academic, who provides some guidance on the work, and laboratory work is overseen by demonstrators.
Chemistry-Biology Interface
Part 1:
Biocatalysis for applications in pharmaceutical synthesis (5 lectures, GG)
This will include aspects on general Introduction to enzymatic catalysis, hydrolytic reactions, reductions, oxygenations and carbon-carbon bond formation.
Part 2:
Evolving biomolecules (2 lectures, MAF; 4 lectures, CDS)
Principles of unnatural amino acid mutagenesis, genome editing, directed evolution, the design and use of artificial enzymes, phage display and related techniques along with chemical strategies to improve biomolecule evolution.
Part 3:
Artificial Metalloenzymes (5 lectures + 1 workshop, AKDK)
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 50.0 |
| Essay/coursework | 50.0 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Miniproject execution is non reassessable.
Chemistry-Biology Interface
The 10 credits of option material will be assessed in a closed exam, with candidates permitted to bring four A4 sides of notes.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 50.0 |
| Essay/coursework | 50.0 |
Module feedback
Miniproject
As the Miniproject progresses, students will receive formative verbal feedback from their Miniproject supervisor, to help them make progress with the miniproject work. The requirements of different miniprojects will vary; the supervisor will set out a planned schedule of subsequent meetings in the first Miniproject meeting. Students will receive emailed feedback on the submitted project report
Chemistry-Biology Interface
Closed exam results are returned to the students within 5 weeks. Outline answers and examiners reports for each question are are made available via module page of the VLE. Arrangements are made for students to view their scripts in a supervised setting.
Indicative reading
Miniproject
Dean, Jones, Holmes, Reed, Weyers and Jones, “Practical Skills in Chemistry”
Atkins “Physical Chemistry”
Weller, Overton, Rourke and Armstrong, “Inorganic Chemistry”
Clayden “Organic Chemistry”
Chemistry-Biology Interface
This is a research-led course so up-to-date scientific publications will form the majority of the reading.