Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description An advanced module in organic chemistry and specifically Bioinspired synthesis. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 |
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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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books: None Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Resources
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