PH2S110 - Bioinorganic Chemistry 01 Aug 2023 - 31 Aug 2029 | Version 1
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | PH2S110 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Bioinorganic Chemistry | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Sciences | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science | ||
| Module Leader: | Gareth Owen | ||
| Module Team: | Nildo Costa, Rehana Karim | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2028 | Final Year of Intake: | 2028 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 20 | Credit Level: | 5 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100345 - biological sciences | 101043 - inorganic chemistry | |
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 20 | 80 | |
Document Version Information
| Version | 1 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Aug 2023 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2029 |
Module Aims
1. To build and develop concepts surrounding the physical and electronic structure of coordination compounds in the context of bioinorganic systems. To provide an understanding on how electronic structure affects the stability, reactivity, and properties of such compounds.
2. To introduce synthetic techniques, reactions and applications of coordination complexes relevant to bioinorganic species.
3. To provide a comprehensive introduction to biologically relevant inorganic compounds and their functions within natural systems including the role they play in the human body.
4. To build knowledge and provide an appreciation of the utilisation of inorganic compounds within pharmaceutical, therapeutical and medicinal contexts.
Content Summary
1. Fundamental inorganic concepts relevant to Bioinorganic Chemistry
a) Ligands
Ligand types, nomenclature, assignment of configuration, understanding metal-ligand interactions, Introduction to a wider range of ligands relevant to biological systems, including multidentate and macrocyclic ligands. The Chelate Effect, templation reactions. Hard-Soft-Acid-Base theory. Exploring their pi bonding capabilities, leading to Ligand Field Theory. p-donor, p-acceptor ligands. Derivation of crystal field stabilisation energies for geometries beyond octahedral and tetrahedral. Square planar vs tetrahedral in d8 configurations. Jahn Teller distortions. Using molecular orbital theory to provide a more comprehensive explanation of the Spectrochemical Series, in particular why p-donors are weak field ligands and p-acceptors are strong field ligands.
b) The Reactivity of Transition Metals
Stepwise and overall formation constants in aqueous solution and their measurement. Factors affecting reactivity of complexes. The stability of 16VE and 18VE complexes. General mechanisms involving TM’s including associative, dissociative and interchange. Berry-pseudo rotations. The Trans Effect. Formation and reactions of simple mono- and poly-nuclear transition metal compounds.
2. Introduction to Bioinorganic Chemistry
An introduction and survey of biologically relevant inorganic compounds, elements within biological systems, the structure of cells, Main group elements in biological systems (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium), ion transport through membranes, biologically relevant ligands, the importance of macrocyclic ligands: ionophores and siderophores. Active TM sites within enzymes (Co-based enzymes and Fe- and Cu-based enzymes for oxygen atom transfer). Electron transfer within enzymes,( eg. Respiratory chain), toxicity of metals. Biochemistry The role of zinc in biological systems.
3. Pharmaceutical Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications in Medicine
The medicinal properties and applications of various inorganic compounds for example antitumor complexes, antibacterial and antiviral agents, the wound healing properties of various compounds, boron neutron capture therapy, therapeutic uses of CO, NO and H2S
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 24 |
| Tutorial | 6 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 12 |
| Independent Study | 50 |
| Directed Study | 96 |
| Problem / challenge based learning | 6 |
| Total Hours Selected | 194 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | To gain a solid level of knowledge and understanding of transition metal-based compounds with relevance to bioinorganic systems. To appreciate the function of inorganic compounds in biological systems and critically evaluate the use of inorganic compounds in the context of pharmaceutical, therapeutical and medicinal uses. |
| LO2 | Be able to use theoretical knowledge to carry out research/laboratory work safely in the area of bioinorganic chemistry. |
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch) | Practical write ups following laboratory sessions | 0 | 2000 | 50 | No | 40 |
| Synchronous Onsite Assessment (Exam) | Onsite Closed Book Examination 1 | A test of knowledge and understanding by previously-seen or unseen questions, delivered onsite and time contrained to not more than 3 hours. | 120 | N/A | 50 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Onsite Closed Book Examination 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |