ECTS credits:

7,5

 

Course parameters:

Language: English

Level of course: PhD course

Time of year: Fall 2023

Extent: 4 contact hours per week from 18 September to 22 December. Total hours incl. preparation 125 - 150

Capacity limits: 20 participants

Course fee: free

 

Objectives of the course:

The course will focus on various aspects of natural product biosynthesis. This will cover all major classes of natural products: polyketides, non-ribosomal peptides, ribosomally-synthesized and post translationally modified peptides, terpene, alkaloids, oligosaccharides, etc. We will cover relevant enzymology associated with their biosynthesis, medical-biological activity associated the natural products, and also emerging research approaches to study natural products such as genome mining, MS-networking, and genetic engineering for creating novel compounds.

 

Learning outcomes and competences:

At the end of the course, the student should be able to:

• Explain the main biosynthetic logic behind major natural product classes
• Critically evaluate research papers within natural product biosynthesis
• Formulate testable research hypotheses for projects within natural product biosynthesis
• Understand and explain common tools and methods relevant to the research area

 

Compulsory programme:

The students are expected to contribute with presentations and prepared questions for the assigned papers. Active participation is required in addition to the final research proposal.

 

Course contents:

Lectures, student presentations.

 

Prerequisites:

Basic understanding of molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, and reaction mechanisms.

 

Name of lecturers:

Thomas Tørring

 

Type of course/teaching methods:

Lectures on the topics covered in the books and student seminars on research papers related to the topics covered in the books.

 

Literature:

A large part of the literature will be based on research papers and reviews. But we will also used the following books:

 

Primary Book

Natural Product Biosynthesis: Chemical Logic and Enzymatic Machinery, 2^nd Edition, Walsh & Tang

ISBN: 978-1-83916-564-1

 

Supplementary Book

Medicinal Natural Products: A Biosynthetic Approach, 3rd Edition, Paul M. Dewick

ISBN: 978-0-470-74168-9

 

Course homepage:

None

 

Course assessment:

An individual research proposal, including a review of the literature, a testable research hypothesis and a proposed methodology. The proposal must be turned in one week before the course ends.

 

Provider:

Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering

 

Special comments on this course:

 

Time:

Fall 2023

 

Place:

Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University.

 

Course fee:

None

 

Registration:

Deadline for registration is 15 August 2023. Information regarding admission will be sent out no later than 22 August 2023. Register via e-mail to Thomas Tørring, thomast@bce.au.dk

If you have any questions, please contact Associate Professor Thomas Tørring, e-mail: thomast@bce.au.dk