University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
(Revised November 2002)
Code: USSJGP-20-3 Title: METALS AND LIVING SYSTEMS Version:
Level: UWE credit rating: ECTS credit rating:
Owning Faculty: Applied Sciences Field:
Valid from: September 2004 Discontinued from:
Excluded combinations:
Learning outcomes:
· Describe and evaluate current research utilising metal complexes as chemo- or radiotherapeutic agents.
· Analyse and interpet spectroscopic measurement of bioinorganic complexes.
· Formulate strategies to remove or control storage of metals in biological systems.
· Describe in detail the form and function of selected biological processes based on metal complexes.
· Critically assess and present primary reference source material in a defined area.
Syllabus outline:
Bonding and Reactivity at Transition Metal Sites - Hard-soft acid-base theory, the chelate effect and stability, ligand field and molecular orbital bonding. Examples of bioligands and biocoordination complexes. Mechanisms of reaction - substitution, electron transfer and ligand-based reactions. Applications of spectroscopic analytical methods to characterise metallobiomolecules.
Toxicity of Metals - Speciation and toxicity. Essential versus toxic nature of metal ions. The bioavailability of trace metals. The importance of complexation in the uptake and utilisation of trace metals. Mechanisms of metal storage. Metal overload and removal of toxic metals by chelation therapy.
Essential Metals in Biological Systems - Structure and activity of a selection of the following: Iron porphyrins and oxygen transport; Calcium and magnesium complexes in membrane transport; Iron and copper proteins and vitamin B12; Iron-sulphur metalloenzymes and N2 fixation; Non-redox reactions and zinc metalloenzymes
Metals and Medicine - Cancer and cis-platin, mechanisms of reaction and structure-activity relationships. Second generation metallodrugs based on metallocenes and polynuclear metal clusters. Arthritis and aurofin, historical and contemporary medicinal uses of gold, application of chrysotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis. Selected examples of anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-parasitic metal complexes. Technetium isotopes and complexes in nuclear medicine. Vitamin B12 malabsorption and monitoring by cobalt isotopes. Rhenium complexes as radiotherapeutic agents. Metalloboranes in boron neutron capture radiotherapy.
Teaching and learning methods:
A programme of lectures, tutorials and laboratory work will be used to combine the theoretical and practical components of this module. Areas within the syllabus will be approached through student centred learning, using a mixture of literature, written handouts, videos and Internet resources. Students may be able to extend their interest in certain topics by relevant research in the project module.
Reading Strategy
All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.
This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on UWEonline or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.
Inorganic Biochemistry, J.A.Cowan, J.Wiley, 1997
Trace Element Medicine and Chelation Therapy, Taylor, D M; Williams R D, Cambridge, 1995
Toxicology of Metals, Zalups, R K, Taylor and Francis, 2000
Copper Transport and its Disorders, Leone, A, Kluwer Academic, 1998
Iron Chemistry, Biology and Medicine, Symons, M C R:Gutteridge, J M C, Oxford University Press, 1998
Inorganic Chemistry in Medicine, N.Farrell, RSC, Cambridge, 1999
Platinum-based Drugs in Cancer Therapy, L.R.Kelland and N.P. Farrell, Humana Press, 2000
Textbook of Radiopharmacy, 3rd edition, C.B.Sampson, Gordon and Breach Science, 1999
Nuclear Medicine in Pharmaceutical Research, A.C.Perkins and M. Frier, Taylor and Francis, 1999
Assessment
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 60% B: 40%
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A (controlled) Element weighting
EX3 |
Examination (3 Hours) |
1 |
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
1 | ||
WA1 |
1 | |
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes )
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
EX3 |
Examination (3 Hours) |
1 |
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
1 | ||
WA1 |
completion of laboratory reports and questions based on data provided |
1 |
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes .
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)