Carbohydrate Chemistry

2022/2023

Recommended prerequisite for participation in the module

Prerequisite: Organic Chemistry (organisk kemi, 3. semester)
Recommended prerequisite: Biochemistry (biokemi, 4. semester)

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

  • Introduction to carbohydrate chemistry
  • Structure, stability and dynamics
  • Glycosides, oligosaccharides
  • Hydrocolloids and polysaccharides
  • Starch and cyclodextrins
  • Industrial processes for sugar, sweetener and biofuel production
  • Methods for analyses and assays
  • Organic synthesis
  • Health, medicine and nutrition

Learning objectives

Knowledge

Students who have passed this module must be able to

  • Explain and show in depth understanding of the structure and properties of mono-, di-, oligo- and polysaccharides
  • Explain strategies for synthesis and hydrolysis of glycosidic linkages
  • Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of production processes and utilization of industrially important carbohydrates including sugars, oligo –, hydrocolloids and other polysaccharides
  • Demonstrate in depth understanding and knowledge of the substrate specificity and catalytic mechanisms of carbohydrate active enzymes
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the enzymology related to degradation and modification of plant based biomass including starch, cellulose and pectin
  • Demonstrate knowledge on methods for quantitative and functional analysis of carbohydrates
  • Explain essential aspects of structure and function in glycobiology

Skills

  • Apply knowledge to evaluate structure in relation to functional properties of carbohydrates including anomeric configuration, conformation, solubility, crystallization and gelation
  • Evaluate results of chemical and physical analysis methods in carbohydrate chemistry
  • Suggest relevant chemical and enzyme catalysts for chemical reactions in carbohydrate chemistry
  • Analyse and evaluate methods for carbohydrate analysis and assays

Competences

  • suggest methods of carbohydrate synthesis and modifications including catalysts, glycosyl donors and acceptors
  • suggest methods for quantification, determination of composition and functional properties of carbohydrates
  • take responsibility for own personal development of knowledge and skills within the field of carbohydrate chemistry

Type of instruction

  • Lectures
  • Theoretical exercises

Extent and expected workload

150 hours

Exam

Exams

Name of examCarbohydrate Chemistry
Type of exam
Written or oral exam
ECTS5
Assessment7-point grading scale
Type of gradingInternal examination
Criteria of assessmentThe criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures

Facts about the module

Danish titleKulhydratkemi
Module codeK-BT-K2-9A
Module typeCourse
Duration1 semester
SemesterSpring
ECTS5
Language of instructionEnglish
Empty-place SchemeYes
Location of the lectureCampus Aalborg
Responsible for the module

Organisation

Study BoardStudy Board of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Environmental Engineering
DepartmentDepartment of Chemistry and Bioscience
FacultyThe Faculty of Engineering and Science