Organic Chemistry of Life
CHEM 27
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
Chemical principles that govern the processes driving living systems are illustrated with examples drawn from biochemistry, cell biology, and medicine. The course deals with organic chemical reactivity (reaction mechanisms, structure-reactivity relationships), with topics specifically relevant to the life sciences (chemistry of enzymes, nucleic acids, drugs, natural products, cofactors), and with applications of chemical biology to medicine and biotechnology. An understanding of organic reactions and their "arrow-pushing” mechanisms is required.
Course Notes
Students who completed Chem S-17 in Summer 2023 or before have the option to be exempted from the lab component of Chem 27. Similarly, students who have completed both Chem 20 and Chem 30 may be exempted. If students choose to be lab exempt, exams will make up a greater percentage of their final grade. The course syllabus describes the grading scheme in greater detail.
Class Notes
During November registration, enroll in the placeholder discussion (DIS) and laboratory (LAB) sections. After enrolling, submit the section preference form by Sunday, November 15 @ 11:59 pm. We will assign students to sections by Tuesday, November 17.
Recommended Prep
Chemistry 17 or Chemistry 30 or Chemistry 20 with permission of the instructor.
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
NOTE: This course requires additional sections; you will be prompted to choose secondary components during the Add to Cart process
