Entry requirements

120 credits with 60 credits in chemistry of which 15 credits in organic chemistry. 5 credits in chemistry at Master's level. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• describe, apply principles for, and evaluate the design of organic molecules with respect to their chemical, physical, photochemical, and electrochemical properties,
• describe, perform and evaluate design of compounds for molecular recognition of small molecules as well as large biomolecules, in particular proteins,
• describe, perform and evaluate the properties and principles that are common for the binding of organic molecules to each other and interactions with proteins,
• evaluate cost - benefit relationships in the design and synthesis of organic molecules that bind to different types of molecular targets,
• account orally and in written form for how principles of chemical molecular design can be applied to the design of functional compounds and materials within chemical biology and materials chemistry.

Content

Properties (e.g., chemical, physical, photophysical, and electrochemical) in relation to the structure of organic molecules. Studies and comparisons of molecular recognition between different types of organic molecules: small vs. small (supramolecular chemistry), small vs. large (drug-protein and substrate-enzyme interactions), large vs. large (protein-protein interactions).

Application of these principles in the design of organic molecules that inhibit molecular interactions between biomacromolecules and natural ligands for the development of chemical tools and drugs. Design of organic molecules for use in chemical biology and materials science (e.g., medical diagnostics, separation, or energy applications).

Design and modification of functional surfaces and polymeric materials.

Instruction

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

Assessment

Written exam at the end of the course (7 credits). The project is examined orally in group and with a written report (3hp). 

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.

Other directives

This course cannot be included in a degree together with 1KB453.