00111 - Chemistry of Natural Organic Substances

Learning outcomes

The course will give the student a good knowledge of the various classes of natural organic compounds and the main biosynthetic pathways leading to secondary metabolites

Course contents

Module one

• Intermolecular forces
• Organic stereochemistry: biological outcomes.
• Lipids: terpenes, steroids, fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, prostaglandins, lipophilic vitamins.
• Aminoacids, peptides and proteins.
• Carbohydrates: monosaccarides, disaccarides, polysaccarides.
• Heterocyclic aromatic compounds.
• Nucleobases, nucleosides, nucleotides, nucleic acids.
• Radical species and radical reactions.

Module two

• Primary and secondary metabolism: general notes.
• Acetate metabolic pathway.
• Mevalonate metabolic pathway.
• Shikimic acid metabolic pathway.
• Alkaloids

Readings/Bibliography

W.H. Brown, "Organic Chemistry", III ed (or subsequent), Cengage Learning, , 2005

P. M. Dewick, "Medicinal Natural Products", 2nd ed. John Wiley& Sons, 2002

Teaching methods

Lectures.

Although not mandatory, attendance at lectures is strongly recommended.

Assessment methods

The final examination, aiming at ascertaining the student's acquired skills, consists of a 40 min. oral  interview  on 3 different topics. Candidates are allowed to choose the first topic.

The examination will be held in person, except in the event of public health emergencies, flooding affecting the country, residence in areas classified as high-risk under the new regulations, and/or student vulnerability, as assessed by the University’s Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (DSA) Service. Each case will be evaluated individually and, where the relevant requirements are met, the examination may be conducted via Microsoft Teams.

Students with specific learning disorders (DSA) or temporary or permanent disabilities are advised to contact the relevant University Office well in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ). The Office will propose any appropriate accommodations to the students concerned. Such accommodations must, however, be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will assess their suitability, also in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

The use of artificial intelligence is prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Presentations. Files will be available for download from Virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Masiero

See the website of Susanna Guernelli