4 ECTS credits
100 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4023203ENR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.
Theory (“HOC”):
The occurence, properties, biosynthesis and chemical synthesis of the most important classes of natural products are discussed. In a first chapter, fundamental biosynthetic transformations are described including reaction mechanism of relevant enzymatic steps. This is applied in chapter two to the biosynthetic pathways leading to the most common natural product classes (Lipids and Prostaglandins; Polyketides and NRPS; Phenylpropanoids; Terpenes; Alkaloids; other relevant Natural Products). In this framework also information on the most relevant natural products for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry is provided including selected industrial synthesis. In the following chapters a strong focus is placed on biomimetic transformations and the (lab or industrial scale) synthesis of natural products, with special attention to the different occurring reaction mechanisms. Overall, the course will provide a general overview over natural product chemistry and modern methods for the synthesis of natural products. Due to time restrictions, the class is mostly limited to secondary metabolites and biopolymers such as peptides, polysaccharides or polynucleotides are not covered.
Independent wok (“ZELF”)
The aim of the independent work by the student is to analyze the biosynthesis and chemical synthesis of a natural product in detail. Modern methods of literature search in organic chemistry can be used in the framework of this independent project. The students need to explore of the applied synthetic steps and describe the reaction mechanisms in detail.
Course material:
- (recommended) “Medicinal Natural Products ”, P. M. Dewick, Wiley; 3 rd Edition 2009
- “Natural Product Biosynthesis”, C. T. Walsh and Y. Tang, RSC, 2017
- “From Biosynthesis to Total Synthesis”, A. L. Zografos, Wiley, 2016
- “The Organic Chemistry of Biological Pathways”, J. McMurry and T. Begley, WH Freeman, 2 nd Edition 2015
- “Natural Products in the Chemical Industry“, B. Schäfer, Springer 2014
- “Classics in Total Synthesis”, K. C. Nicolaou, E. J. Sorensen, Wiley 1996
Additional course material will be available on the learning platform (powerpoint slides).
1. The student has a notion of the most important classes of natural products and is able to situate those compounds in terms of bioactivity, properties, biosynthetic origin and chemical structure. The student recognizes chemical structures as natural products or related compounds and can situate these in their context.
2. The student can understand in detail the synthetic pathways to prepare natural products (in industry or at laboratory scale) and is able to comprehend and explain reaction mechanisms of modern organic synthesis.
3. The student can consult scientific literature regarding natural products and organic chemistry via focused search actions in databases.
4. The student can report (written) and communicate on topics in bioorganic chemistry in a scientific manner and has developed a sense for detail and critical analysis of obtained or published data in (bio)organic chemistry.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Other Exam determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
The assessment consists of the following categories of assignments:
oral examination preceded by a written preparation (30 min preparation followed by 30 min oral examination)
written assignment on a natural product (biosynthesis/synthesis; see ZELF)
(All categories need to be fulfilled in order to be eligible for obtaining a final grade)
Within the category Oral Exam the following aspects need attention: only a few (bio)synthesis or chemical structures have to be known by heart. However, the general chemical structures, biosynthesis pathways and the context of the discussed molecules need to be known. In addition, the various chemical transformations and principles of mechanisms need to be known in detail and the student should be able to apply these transformations for other chemical syntheses. The general properties and physiological activities of selected natural products have to be known.
Oral exam determines 85% of the final grade
Assignment 15% of the final grade (evaluated at the oral exam)
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Chemistry: Chemical Theory, (Bio)Molecular Design and Synthesis