The Chemistry of Sugars, Amino-acids, and Related Compounds-CHU3131

This course is a sequel to to CHU 3130 (Introduction to Natural Products Chemistry), and its ultimate aims are similar.  It covers the classification, occurrence, characterisation, biosynthesis, activity, and uses of several important groups of natural products: sugars (carbohydrates), aromatic compounds derived from certain sugars via a pathway known as the shikimic acid pathway, amino-acids and nucleic acids, and alkaloids, which are mostly derived from the latter via numerous biosynthetic pathways. The key reactions, biosynthesis, and biological functions of these molecules will be stressed. Students successfully completing both CHU 3130 and CHU 3131 will have a thorough grounding in the chemistry of natural products.