Module: Bioinspired Synthesis

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Bioinspired Synthesis
Module Code	CS424
School	School of Chemical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Nessan Kerrigan Semester 2: Nessan Kerrigan Autumn: Nessan Kerrigan
Module Teachers	Nessan Kerrigan Silvia Giordani
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

None

Description

An advanced module in organic chemistry and specifically Bioinspired synthesis.

Learning Outcomes

1. The student will develop a knowledge of Organic supramolecular chemistry, photochemistry and photochromic molecules.
2. The topic of organic photochemistry will be introduced including, photochromic molecules, molecular switches, molecular logic gates and molecular machines
3. An in depth knowledge of molecular switches (including azobenzenes, spiropyrans, diaryethynes)
4. The student will learn about Supramolecular chemistry of carbon nanomaterials (including fullerenes, nanotubes, nano-horns, nano-onions, graphene derivatives).
5. The module will include Bio-inspired synthesis of nanomaterials (Silica, Au nanoparticles, Carbon dots…) and their biomedical and energy applications.
6. This module will introduce the main biosynthetic pathways and focus on a comparison with industrial/man-made methods to make the same or similar natural product motifs/natural product-inspired pharmaceuticals. The student will learn about the pathways for some well-known natural products and about the man-made methods that nature has inspired for the synthesis of natural products/natural product-derived pharmaceuticals.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	30	Lectures, tutorials on lectures, problem solving and examination style questions
Independent Study	95	Independent study, working on problems, examination questions and allocated group work.
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Bioinspired synthesis
An advanced module in organic chemistry and specifically Bioinspired synthesis.

Biosynthesis
Introduction to main biosynthetic pathways. Biosynthesis of carbohydrates. The photosynthetic cycle. Glycolysis. Pyruvate and acetate formation. Biosynthesis of fatty acids. Prostaglandins - introduction to nomenclature and biosynthesis from fatty acids. Comparison with modern man-made methods for prostaglandin analogue pharmaceutical synthesis. Polyketide synthesis. Introduction to terpenes. Mevalonic acid and conversion to squalene. Overview of man-made methods for polyketide and terpene natural product and pharmaceutical synthesis. Steroid biosynthesis. Shikimic acid: biosynthesis, conversion to cinnamic acid derivatives and aromatic amino acids. General biosynthetic routes to amino acids. Alkaloid biosynthesis, e.g. morphine. Comparison with man-made methods for alkaloid synthesis. Biocatalysis – recent innovations

Organic photo and supramolecular chemistry
Organic photochromic molecules, molecular switches and molecular logic gates. Applications as sensors and drug delivery systems. Organic supramolecular chemistry. Bio-inspired synthesis of nanomaterials and their biomedical applications. Supramolecular chemistry of carbon nanomaterials

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Loop Quiz	n/a	20%	n/a
Assignment	n/a	30%	n/a
Written Exam	n/a	50%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

39970, 0, As will be advised by Professor Silvia Giordani and Dr. Nessan Kerrigan,

Programme or List of Programmes

AC	BSc in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sc.

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