Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit covers topics from the rapidly developing field of biological and medicinal inorganic chemistry with a particular emphasis on the fundamental inorganic chemistry that determines the diverse roles of metal ions in biological systems. Some of the important metalloproteins to be covered in detail are those containing iron, copper, zinc, calcium and manganese. Techniques for elucidating the structures of biological macromolecules (e.g. proteins and DNA) and their interaction with other molecules are covered including X-ray crystallography, NMR, ESR and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Some applications of metals in medicine are covered including metal-based anticancer drugs and radiopharmaceuticals.

Credit
6 points
Assessment

This comprises an examination (50 per cent), laboratory work (30 per cent) and assignments/continuous assessment (20 per cent).



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor George Koutsantonis and Professor Murray Baker
Unit rules
Prerequisites
CHEM2210 Structure Determination and Physical Chemistry
Advisable prior study
CHEM2221 Biological and Medicinal Chemistry
or prescribed reading
Contact hours
lectures: 2 hours per week
labs: 35 hours
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.