C8814 Bioinorganic Chemistry

Faculty of Science
Spring 2025
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 2 credit(s) (plus extra credits for completion). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Martin Sojka, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
doc. Mgr. Marek Nečas, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry – Chemistry Section – Faculty of Science
Supplier department: Department of Chemistry – Chemistry Section – Faculty of Science
Prerequisites
Succesful completion of the general chemistry course (C1020 and C1040) is mandatory. Completion of inorganic chemistry (C1061, C2062) and introductory biochemistry courses is encouraged.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
This Bioinorganic Chemistry course explores the role of metal ions in biological systems, emphasizing their importance in processes such as oxygen transport, enzyme catalysis, electron transfer, signal transduction, and the metabolism of biomolecules. The course is designed for university-level students and aims to provide a deep understanding of how metals influence biological molecules' structure and function.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
(1) Explain and apply key principles of coordination chemistry and how metal ions interact with biological ligands.
(2) Describe the roles of essential and trace metals in biological processes.
(3) Analyze the bioenergetics of intermediary metabolism.
(4) Evaluate the impact of heavy metals on biological.
(5) Apply relevant analytical techniques to study the structure and function of metal-containing biomolecules.
Syllabus
  • Key Topics Covered:
  • L01: Introduction to Bioinorganic Chemistry
  • L02: Coordination Chemistry in Biological Systems
  • L03: Metal Assimilation, Transport, and Homeostasis
  • L04: Biomineralization and Hard Tissues
  • L05: Iron - Essential Element for (Almost) All Biological Systems
  • L06: Bioinorganic Chemistry of Copper and Zinc
  • L07: Metal Ions in Brain and Neurodegenerative Diseases
  • L08: Magnesium- and Calcium-Dependent Signaling
  • L09: Bioinorganic Chemistry of Trace Metals
  • L10: Heavy Metals and Toxicity
  • L11: Metallodrugs and Therapeutics
  • L12: Metals in Diagnostics and Imaging
  • Extra session: Student symposium - Annual bioinorganic chemistry highlights
Literature
  • CRICHTON, Robert R. Biological inorganic chemistry : a new introduction to molecular structure and function. 2nd ed. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2012, xii, 460. ISBN 9780444537829. info
  • ROAT-MALONE, Rosette M. Bioinorganic chemistry : a short course. 2nd ed. Hoboken: Wiley-Interscience, 2007, xix, 501. ISBN 9780471761136. info
  • KAIM, Wolfgang and Brigitte SCHWEDERSKI. Bioinorganic chemistry : inorganic elements in the chemistry of life : an introduction and guide. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, 1994, 401 s. ISBN 0471943681. info
  • LIPPARD, Stephen J. and Jeremy M. BERG. Principles of bioinorganic chemistry. Mill Valley, Calif.: University Science Books, 1994, xvii, 411. ISBN 0935702725. info
Teaching methods
Lecture, class discussion, interactive syllabus.
Assessment methods
The assessment is based on a combination of a written exam and an oral exam. To pass the exam, students must score in total 60 points or more. Additionally, students can opt for an optional oral presentation. The evaluation methods are designed to verify the achievement of intended learning outcomes, ensuring students demonstrate their understanding of bioinorganic chemistry concepts, analytical techniques, and the role of metal ions in biological systems.

Written Exam:
The final written exam is worth 60 points and comprises test questions. To pass the written exam, students must score at least 30 points. The exam covers all major topics outlined in the syllabus.

Oral Exam:
Students can enter the oral exam only after scoring at least 30 points in the test. In the oral exam, students will describe, discuss, and answer two complex questions for 20 points each.

Optional Presentation:
Students can choose to give a presentation on a topical and recent (less than two years old) research paper related to bioinorganic chemistry. Presentations are optional, but students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to boost their final score.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
The course is taught annually.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
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