COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class will examine fundamental principles and current techniques for the use of chemical methods to manipulate and study biological processes. Topics include synthesis and screening of chemical and protein libraries, methods for modification of proteins, display technologies, enzymology, and ProTAC/LysoTAC design. This course will build on concepts presented in Biochemistry (which focuses on fundamental aspects of protein and nucleic acid structure and mechanism), and complement Human Metabolism and Gene Expression.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The goal of this course is to provide students with a foundational framework of concepts in Chemical Biology that can be applied to drug discovery or basic research on biological systems. Upon completion of this course, successful students will:
- Critically assess Chemical Biology primary literature and communicate methods and conclusions to their peers.
- Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental principles of Chemical Biology and how those may be applied to biological systems.
- Demonstrate the ability to select Chemical Biology methods to solve problems in a biological system.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
PREREQUISITES: Biochemistry (Block I)
SUITABLE FOR 1ST YEAR STUDENTS: Yes
STUDENT ASSESSMENTS: Two presentations (20% each): Students will be assigned into teams and will be responsible for reading assigned literature, providing critical analysis, and then presenting to the rest of the class. Evaluations will be performed by the Course Director in conjunction with contributing lecturers and be based on clarity, accuracy, composition of slides, and critical dialogue.
Discussant on two presentations (5% each): Students will listen to other student presentations and provide commentary or ask questions. Participation is expected.
Two in-class examinations (25% each): Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of the assigned topics, and to critically analyze methodologies and formulate experimental strategies to apply them to biological problems.
CREDIT HOURS: 3.0