First Semester

PURPOSE OF THE COURSE

Equip learners with fundamental theories & applications of inorganic materials placing particular emphasis on transition metal complexes, binary and ternary transition metal oxides and main group compounds


The course outline 

Differences between secondary and primary metabolism. Roles of secondary metabolites in living systems. Building blocks and biosynthesis of natural products, with examples from each of the major classes of polyketides & fatty acids, terpenoids & steroids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids and alkaloids. Highlights on methods used in isolation, purification and structure elucidation. Economic exploitation of natural products in industry including examples in medical use, healthcare products, perfumery, agrochemical etc.

Practicals will be based on representative reactions in the major subtopics.


Purpose

This course will equip students with knowledge on current areas of research in chemistry and hence be able to apply in solving current emerging issues.