CHEM 334 explores bioorganic and sustainable chemistry and the connections between the two.
The bioorganic component takes a mechanistic approach to the organic chemistry of life. We will study the structures, functions and reactivity of nucleic acids, amino acids, proteins and cofactors, using structural formulae and arrow pushing, as well as in three-dimensions. Chemical principles will be applied to explain enzyme catalysis and the chemical logic of metabolic pathways.
The sustainable chemistry component examines how chemical processes and products can be designed and evaluated to reduce their environmental impact. We will apply green chemistry metrics and life cycle analysis to assess sustainability, evaluate the design of molecules and materials for reuse and repurposing, and explore alternative synthetic methods and consider how they contribute to more sustainable chemical processes.
Bioorganic and sustainable chemistry come together when discussing toxicology and biodegradability to understand how chemicals behave during use and after disposal, in the use of biological feedstocks, and the use of enzymes and biological processes to produce chemicals using biocatalysis and bioprocesses.
The laboratory will develop practical skills in biological and sustainable chemistry. You will apply concepts covered in lectures through experimental work, interpret experimental data, and relate your findings to the chemical principles and sustainability questions explored in the course.
Chem 253 is a prerequisite. No biology knowledge beyond year 10 of secondary school is expected. Chem 260 is recommended but not expected.