About this course

The course is new, and changes may thus occur.

The course provides a specialized introduction to carbohydrate chemistry with a focus on modern methods for chemical manipulation of sugars and efficient glycosylation reactions. Students will learn to plan synthetic strategies for both simple carbohydrate compounds and more complex oligosaccharides.

A central element of the course is the development of a thorough understanding of structure and reactivity. The course includes spectroscopic methods for structural characterization and purity analysis of carbohydrates and their derivatives.

Chemical insight is essential for understanding the fundamental principles behind sustainability and climate as defined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15.

Teaching consists of lectures throughout the semester and joint problem-solving sessions in the form of colloquia.

Learning outcome

KNOWLEDGE

The student will:

  • Have in-depth understanding of the structure of monosaccharides, disaccharides, and oligosaccharides.
  • Have an overview of the types and uses of protecting groups in carbohydrate chemistry.
  • Be familiar with and able to explain the mechanisms behind key glycosylation reactions.
  • Understand the structural composition and biosynthesis of glycoconjugates.
  • Be familiar with basic principles of spectroscopic techniques used for characterization.

SKILLS

The student will:

  • Be able to analyze and design syntheses of functionalized carbohydrates.
  • Be able to propose effective protecting group strategies.
  • Select suitable glycosylation strategies based on desired structure and stereochemistry.
  • Be familiar with spectroscopic methods for identifying and characterizing sugar compounds.
  • Understand the relationship between structure and reactivity.

GENERAL COMPETENCE

The student will:

  • Be able to plan synthetic routes for carbohydrates used in bioactive molecules.
  • Apply chemical and analytical understanding to evaluate synthesis quality.
  • Reflect on the role of carbohydrate chemistry in modern organic chemistry, biology, and biotechnology.

  • Learning activities

    Lectures. Colloquia.

  • Teaching support

    Office hours to be announced at the beginning of the semester.

    Canvas.

  • Syllabus

    Lindhorst, T. K. (2007). Essentials of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biochemistry (3rd completely revised and enlarged ed.). Wiley‑VCH. ISBN 978‑3‑527‑31528‑4.

    Optional, but recommended supplementary reading:

    Davis, B. G., & Fairbanks, A. J. (2002). Carbohydrate Chemistry (Oxford Chemistry Primers No. 99). Oxford University Press. ISBN 978‑0‑19‑855833‑0

  • Prerequisites

    Organic Chemistry KJM211, or equivalent.

  • Recommended prerequisites

    Basic Biochemistry.

  • Assessment method

    3.5 hours written exam (A - F), counts 100%.

    School exam Grading: Letter grades Permitted aids: A2 No calculator, other aids as specified

  • About use of AI

    K1

    There will be no use of AI in this course.

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme

    The external examiner approves the assessment scheme and grades the submissions.

  • Notes

    If the number of students is between 7 or 5, the examination will be oral.

  • Teaching hours

    Three hrs per week (lectures and assignment reviews).

  • Preferential right

    MSc students.

  • Admission requirements

    Special requirements in Science