Offered in Spring 2026.
Schedule: Tues & Thurs, 9:35am – 10:55am
Instructor: Dr. Christopher Callam
Prereqs: CHEM 2520 or 2620 or 2920
Course Objective:
The main objective of this course is to help students gain a better understanding of glycoscience. Participants will develop a working knowledge of the synthesis, conformation, and biological importance of carbohydrates and oligosaccharides. The course focuses on concepts and skills that advance understanding of organic chemistry when applied to carbohydrates and organic molecules. It is designed to support the development of scientific problem-solving skills and the application of organic and biochemistry principles to new situations.
Course Topics:
- Weeks 1-3: Structure and Conformation
- Weeks 3-6: Reactions of Carbohydrates, Protecting Group Strategies and Functional Group Interconversions
- Weeks 6-8: Reactions at the Anomeric Center
- Weeks 8-10: Chemical Glycoside Synthesis
- Week 11: Spectroscopy of Carbohydrates
- Weeks 12-14: Modern Applications, Biosynthesis Methods, Enzymatic Synthesis Methods, Biological and Chemical Applications
Evaluation and Grading:
2 midterm exams, take-home quizzes, literature reviews, and a synthesis project.