This module consists of three separately taught topics unified by advanced biomolecular chemistry: Advanced Chemical Biology (Dr Nicholas Mitchell) and Biocatalysis/Biosynthesis (Dr James Dowden). 

Advanced Chemical Biology: An overview of several complimentary themes within the field of chemical biology, including: the use of bio-orthogonal reactions to probe cellular functions; chemical genetic approaches to drug discovery; probing protein-protein interactions with small molecules; activity-based profiling/proteomics. 

Biocatalysis: An overview of the application of enzymes in organic synthesis will be examined including key examples of the application of biocatalysts in industry. Modern methods for designing new biocatalysts will be considered, including directed evolution and rational design. 

Biosynthesis: A molecular view of the biosynthetic pathways that give primary metabolites (e.g. fatty acids) or secondary metabolites including those belonging to the terpenoid, alkaloid, polyketide, and non-ribosomal peptide type of natural products will be described.

Advanced Chemical Biology: To introduce the concepts of chemical genetics, activity-based protein profiling, bio-orthogonal reactivity and the interrogation of biological activity using small-molecule chemical probes. Biocatalysis: To introduce enzyme engineering and the synthetic utility of designer biocatalysts, especially highlighting chemo-enzymatic approaches toward chiral commodity molecules (e.g. pharmaceuticals) and their precursors. Biosynthesis: To introduce the biosynthetic pathways and enzyme catalysed reactions leading to natural products, such as terpenes, alkaloids, fatty acids. polyketides, and non-ribosomal peptides.