Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Biosynthesis and Pharmacognosy
Module Code	CS407
School	School of Chemical Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Paraic James Semester 2: Paraic James Autumn: Paraic James
Module Teacher	Paraic James
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This module will introduce the main biosynthetic pathways. It will focus on how biosynthetic pathways are determined. The pathways for a range of well known natural products will be examined. The module will review some biochemistry from an organic chemistry perspective. The module will also review plants that produce medicinal natural products.

Learning Outcomes

1. Recognise the biosynthetic origin of a range of primary and secondary metabolites by examination of the molecular framewok.
2. Devise experimental routes to prove biosynthetic origin.
3. Bring together previously acquired knowledge of natural products e.g pharmaceutical activity, synthesis of drugs and biochemistry.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	36	No Description
Independent learning	89	No Description
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

Biosynthetic pathways.
Introduction to main biosynthetic pathways. Establishment of biosynthetic sequences, isotopic labelling/FT-13C nmr. Biosynthesis of Carbohydrates. The photosynthetic cycle. GlycolysisPyruvate and acetate formation, role of ATP and NADPH. Biosynthesis of fatty acids. Prostaglandins: introduction to nomenclature, biosynthesis from fatty acids. Polyketide-derivatives. Introduction to terpenes, the isoprene rule. Mevalonic acid and conversion to squalene. Flavanoid and related structures. Steroid biosynthesis. Shikimic acid: biosynthesis, conversion to cinnamic acid derivatives and aromatic amino acids, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan. General biosynthetic routes to amino acids. Alkaloid biosynthesis, including detailed consideration of morphine and it's analogues. Biosynthesis of nucleotides: purine and pyrimidine ring formation. Pyrrole Pigments: formation of porphobilinogen, bilane and porphyrins..

Pharmacognosy.
Examples of mixed biogenetic pathways, consideration of biosynthesis of tetrahydrocannabinol. Introduction to pharmacognosy. Isolation and purification of compounds that have a medical application from plant sources. Plants that find use in medicine..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	0%	Examination Weight	100%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date

Reassessment Requirement
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