TLÜ ÕIS

Bioorganic Chemistry

Course code

MLK6915.LT

old course code

MLK6915

Course title in Estonian

Bioorgaaniline keemia

Course title in English

Bioorganic Chemistry

ECTS credits

4.0

Assessment form

Examination

lecturer of 2025/2026 Spring semester

Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.

lecturer of 2026/2027 Autumn semester

Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.

Course aims

To be aware of structure-function relationships of biomolecules. The course is a connecting link between organic chemistry and biochemistry.

Brief description of the course

Bio-elements. Biologically essential organic compounds. Biopolymers and their complexes. The structure of biomolecules: configuration, cis/trans and optical isomeria, conformation and conformational changes. Heterofunctional organic compounds. Saccharides and proteins. The hierarchy of protein structures: primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure. Enzymes. Heterocycles and nucleotides. Lipids (fatty acids, triglycerides, steroids and prostaglandins). Lipid aggregates: micells and lipoproteins. Bioregulators (hormones and vitamins). Physiologically active artificial compounds. Central biochemical reactions in human body. Experimental section: the purification and analysis of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. The kinetics of enzyme catalysis.

Learning outcomes in the course

Upon completing the course the student:
- has basic knowledge of the chemical foundations of the living world across the most important classes of substances;
- distinguish and characterize structural aspects and levels of biologically important compounds;
- has ability to connect peculiarities of structure and functions of various types of bioactive compounds.
- carries out practical work responsibly in accordance with safety requirements and research ethics.

Teacher

Kalle Truus, PhD Estelle Silm

Prerequisite course 1

Organic Chemistry I (MLK6904.LT)

Study programmes containing that course