Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence

Undergraduate Course Proposal Form

(To be completed by Department/Centre offering the course)

Semester of Implementation: MSN2023

PART A: COURSE IDENTIFIERS

Fill both columns if the course is a joint offering and/or is cross-listed with different codes.

1. School SoNS
2. Department Chemistry
3. Course Code CHY351
4. Course Title Macromolecules
5. Credits (L:T:P) 3:0:0
6. Contact Hours (L:T:P) 3:0:0
7. Prerequisites CHY122 for Chemistry students
8. Major Core for Chemistry
9. Major Elective for UWE

PART B: OBJECTIVES AND PRACTICE

10. Course Summary:

In this course, we will delve into cellular macromolecules such as carbohydrates,
nucleic acids, and proteins. The chemistry related to these macromolecules will be explored
through examples. The objective is to comprehend these vital natural macromolecules not just
structurally, but also at an atomic level. We will delve into the chemistry linked with these
molecules, encompassing nomenclature, stereochemistry, associated chemical reactions,
and their significance in biochemistry. The classes will comprise a combination of lectures and
presentations.

11. Course Aims

a) Exploration of Cellular Macromolecules: The course intends to deeply explore

cellular macromolecules, including carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and proteins.
b) Chemical Understanding: Through illustrative examples, the course seeks to
enhance understanding of the chemistry associated with these macromolecules and
comprehensive understanding of essential natural macromolecules.
c) In-depth Chemistry Exploration: The course aims to delve into the intricate
chemistry that underlies these molecules, covering topics such as nomenclature,
stereochemistry, related chemical reactions, and their significance in the field of
biochemistry.

12. Learning Outcomes

• Students will acquire a profound understanding of cellular macromolecules, including
carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and proteins.
• They will be able to identify the roles and functions of these macromolecules within
cellular processes.
 • Students will be able to explain the structural characteristics of these macromolecules.
• They will become proficient in naming and understanding the stereochemistry of
these molecules.
• Students will gain insight into the diverse chemical reactions associated with these
macromolecules and their implications in the realm of biochemistry.
• They will appreciate the significance of these chemical reactions in physiological and
biochemical contexts.

13. Curriculum Content

1. Carbohydrates (AS)
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Class of Carbohydrates
1.2.1 Monosaccharides: Nomenclature and Functions
1.2.2 Fischer Projections and D/L Notation
1.2.3 Haworth Projection for Cyclic Structure of Sugars
1.2.4 Ascending and Descending Order in Monosaccharides
1.2.5 Chemical Reactions of Monosaccharides
1.2.6 Oligosaccharides: Examples and Functions
1.2.7 Polysaccharides
1.2.7.1 Homo and Hetero Polysaccharides
1.2.7.2 Examples and Their Functions: Starch, Glycogen, Dextran, Cellulose,
Chitin, Agar Galactosan, Hyaluronic Acid
1.3 Glycoconjugates: Proteoglycans, Glycoproteins
1.4 Structural and Functions of Glycoproteins

2. Nucleic Acids (DNA and RNA) (AS)

2.1 Introduction
2.2 Nucleic Acids
2.3 Building-Blocks
2.3.1 Purine and Pyrimidine Bases, Sugars, and Phosphates; Nucleoside
and Nucleotide
2.4 Structures, Examples, and Functions of Nucleosides & Nucleotides
2.5 Structures of Polynucleotides
2.6 Discovery of DNA and Structure of DNA
2.7 Watson and Crick's Model
2.8 Minor and Major Grooves in DNA
2.9 A, B, and Z-DNA and Their Biological Relevance
2.10 Summary of Nucleic Acid

3. Amino acids, peptide and proteins (TR)

3.1. Amino Acids (name, structures, three letter code, one letter code)
3.2. Common features of Amino acids (AA)
3.3. Number of carbons in amino acids
3.4. D, L classification and configurations of amino acids
3.5. Classification of AA side chains by chemical properties (Polar, non-polar,
ionic amino acids)
3.6. Acid base properties of amino acids (pKa calculations)
 3.7. Ionization of AAs (Zwitterion, isoelectric point and electrophoresis)
3.8. Peptide, oligopeptides structures and proteins
3.9. Reaction of amino acids N terminus and C terminus
3.9.1. Ester of carboxylic group,
3.9.2. Acetylation of amino group,
3.9.3. Complexation with Cu+2 ions
3.9.4. Ninhydrin test
3.9.5. Post translational modifications (phosphorylation, glycosylation etc.)
3.10. Preparation of amino acids
3.10.1. Strecker synthesis
3.10.2. Gabriels phthalimide synthesis
3.11. Protein Structure and quick overview of primary, secondary, tertiary
and quaternary structure
3.12. Structure determination of peptides
3.12.1. N-terminal analysis by Edmann degradation
3.12.2. C-terminal (thiohydantoin and carboxypeptidase).
3.12.3. Synthesis of simple dipeptides by N-protection (t-butoxycarbonyl and
phthaloyl)
3.12.4. C-activating group and Merrifield solid phase synthesis.
3.13. Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Proteins,
3.14. Summary of Proteins

14. Teaching and Learning Pedagogy

Teaching and Description of Work Class Hours Out-of-Class

Learning Strategy Hours

Lecture Presentations/Discussion 3 hours 1 hr

PART C: ASSESSMENT.
15. Assessment:

Type of Description Percentage

Assessment

Quizzes To check the level of understanding 20%

Midterm Exam Use of the theoretical knowledge taught in the 30%

class

Final Exam Use the overall knowledge of the course 50%

Total 100%
16. Text Books

1. I. L. Finar, Vol. 1 and 2, Dorling Kindersley, Pearson

2. G.E. Schulz and R.H. Schirmer: Principles of Protein Structure
3. Wolfram Saenger. Principles of Nucleic Acid Structure
4. Donald Voet and Judith G. Voet. Biochemistry. Wiley; 4th edition (December 14,
2010)
5. David L. Nelson and Michael M. Cox. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. W. H.
Freeman; 5th edition (February 1, 2008)
6. Berg, J. M., Tymoczko, J. L., and Stryer, L. (2002). Biochemistry (5th edn.) Freeman,
New York
7. Davis, B.G. and Fairbanks, A. J. Carbohydrate Chemistry. Oxford University Press,
first edition 2002.
8. Boyer, R. F. (2002) Concepts in Biochemistry (2nd edn.) Wiley, New York
9. Taylor, M.E. and Drickamer, K. Introduction to Glycobiology. Oxford University Press,
third edition 2011.