Recommended prerequisite for participation in the module

Prerequisite for participation in the module

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