VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

529-0018-00L 6 Credits BSC D-CHAB
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Organic Chemistry for Biochemistry and Chemical Biology

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Jeffrey W. Bode
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:37

Abstract

The synthesis and reactivity of organic molecules plays a crucial role in chemical biology, particularly for the interrogation of biological pathways and phenomena. This course will cover advanced topics in the design and synthesis of organic molecules for applications in biochemistry and chemical biology, with particular emphasis on the mechanistic understanding of these reactions and processes.

Objective

After the completion of this lecture, the students will have an understanding of organic chemistry commonly employed in the field of chemical biology, be able to apply these concepts to the design and synthesis of tools for probing biological pathways, and explain the underlying reaction mechanisms of selective reactions.

Content

The course will discuss past and recent advances in the synthesis of biomolecules, organic chemistry for applications in chemical biology, and the mechanism of relevant reactions. Topics will include chemical ligations, bioorthoganal reactions, photoaffinity probes, photopharmacology, activity based probes, targeted protein degraders, chemical probes for metabolites, fluorescent dyes and imaging, caged biomolecules, conditional activation, site-specific protein modification, and metabolic engineering.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes and other material relevant for the course will be available online underhttps://bode.ethz.ch/education.html.

Literature

Relevant research articles and review papers will be available in the course and course material.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 90 minutes
Aids
None

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Organic Chemistry for Biochemistry and Chemical Biology
This is an advanced course – competency in organic chemistry required. Lecture Monday 8-10 Exercises Tuesday 12-13 or 13-14
  • Mon 07:45-09:30 (HCI J 3)
  • Mon 09:45-10:30 (HCI H 2.1)
  • Tue 11:45-12:30 (HCI J 6)
  • Tue 12:45-13:30 (HCI F 8)
3 h weekly

Offered In