Entry requirements

120 credits in Science including 60 credits Chemistry, or equivalent.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of the course, the participant should have the ability to:

• describe and discuss and perform design of compounds for molecular recognition of small and biomacromolecular targets
• describe and discuss common properties and principles of organometallic and organocatalysts, enzymes and engineered enzymes
• plan design and chemical modification of proteins
• evaluate cost - benefit relationships in the design and synthesis of organic molecules
• plan the preparation of simple artificial enzymes

Content

Design of small organic molecules for the recognition of bio-macromolecules, their surface or active centre. Recognition of domains and complexes.

Studies and comparison of different types of molecular recognition; small vs small (exemplified by organometallic and organocatalysts), small vs large (exemplified by natural and artificial enzymes), large vs large (exemplified by protein-protein interactions).

Design of molecules that inhibit the interaction between bio-macromolecules: inhibition of protein-protein interactions, inhibition of interactions of nucleic acids. Design and molecular recognition in drug discovery. Design of catalysts: organometallic catalysis and organocatalysis. Reengineering of enzymes, design of new enzymes.

The student shall in group projects identify suitable structures and plan their synthesis and evaluation.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars , literature searches, and theoretical projects. Training in oral and written reports. Participation in seminars and projects is mandatory.

Assessment

Written exam at the end of the course, 7 credits. The seminar and project corresponds to 3 credits. The final grade is a weighted combination of the individual grades.