Modern methods in Organic Synthesis
Optional Course, 1st semester
Theory: 3 ECTS: 10
Teachers: Α. Zografos, Α. Koumbis, S. Manta, Κ. Fylaktakidou
Content
Asymmetric Synthesis, Synthesis via radical intermediates, Cycloaddition Reactions, Organometallic Chemistry, Organocatalysis, Photochemistry, Continuous Flow Chemistry, Mechanochemistry, Green Chemistry and Sustainable Development. Application examples of those approaches in the synthesis of natural products and biologically active compounds.
Learning outcomes
In the context of this course, the P.S. is expected:
- Τo become familiar with the basic principles of Asymmetric Synthesis, to comprehend induced diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity of common reagents in Organic Synthesis, to be introduced to the mechanisms of induced asymmetry via steric and stereoelectronic phenomena, via organocatalysis as well as via (organo)metallic catalysts.
- To embed radicals’ theory and their reactions’ as well as theory of concerted reactions.
- To comprehend the role of metals, metal derivatives and complexes and to become familiar with the most important reactions that lead to C-C, C-N, C-O bonds with the use of metallic and organometallic reagents.
- To be introduced to photochemical reactions, principles of continuous flow chemistry and mechanochemistry.
- To become aware of Green Chemistry and Sustainable Development in Organic Synthesis.
Spectroscopy of Organic Compounds
Optional Course, 1st semester
Theory : 3 ECTS: 10
Teachers: I. Lykakis, S. Manta, C. Stathakis
Content
UV-Vis and IR Spectroscopies. One and two Dimensional Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR 1D and 2D) Spectroscopy. Mass Spectrometry. Liquid and Gas Chromatography. Spectra Analysis and Determination of Organic Compounds Structure.
Learning outcomes
In the context of this course, the P.S. is expected:
- To become familiar with the basic principles of UV-vis, IR, NMR Spectroscopies and Mass Spectrometry.
- To become familiar with the modes of interaction of organic compounds with different kinds of radiation and magnetic fields.
- To become familiar with the elucidation of the structure of organic compounds using spectroscopic methods.
Chemistry of Organic Materials and Catalysis
Optional Course, 1st semester
Theory : 3 ECTS: 10
Teachers: P. Angaridis, P. Gkizis, I. Lykakis
Content
Synthetic Methodologies of Organic Materials and Organometallic Complexes. Basic reaction mechanisms and kinetic phenomena. Basic principles of catalysis and catalytic cycles. Homogenous and heterogenous catalysis with materials. Green chemistry applications in research and in industry.
Learning outcomes
In the context of this course, the P.S. is expected:
- To become familiar with the basic principles of synthesis and applications of Organic Materials and Coordination compounds in Catalysis.
- To embed the reaction mechanisms, the catalytic cycles and the kinetic phenomena of catalysis.
- To consolidate their knowledge on the role of Materials in homogenous and heterogenous catalysis.
- To become familiar with important applications of materials in research and in industry.
- To approach issues of Green Chemistry and Sustainable Development via catalytic processes.
Advanced Synthetic Approaches and Characterization Methods of Inorganic Compounds and Materials
Optional Course, 1st semester
Theory : 3 ECTS: 10
Teachers: C. Dendrinou-Samara, T. Lazarides, A. Hatzidimitriou
Content
Coordination compounds’ design strategies and synthesis techniques. Oligomeric and polymeric complexes, macrocyclic complexes, metal-organic frameworks, and cluster-type compounds. Basic principles of crystallography. Powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal and molecular structure determination. Inorganic materials in nanometric scale. Wet chemistry methods for the synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials. Methods of identification and characterization of inorganic nanomaterials.
Learning outcomes
In the context of this course, the P.S. is expected:
- To embed the concept of mononuclear and polynuclear complexes and to become familiar with their design strategies and synthesis techniques.
- To become familiar with the basic principles of macrocyclic complex compounds, organometallic frames and cluster type compounds.
- To embed the basic principles of crystallography and powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
- To practice crystal and molecular structure determination.
- To become familiar with materials in the nanometric scale and properties thereof.
- To become familiar with wet chemistry methods for the synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials.
- To become familiar with methods of identification and characterization of inorganic nanomaterials.
- To become aware of Green Chemistry and Sustainable Development issues at the synthesis of Inorganic Compounds and nanomaterials.
Synthesis of Natural Products – Applications in Industry
Optional Course, 2nd semester
Theory: 3 ECTS: 10
Teachers: P. Gkizis, A. Zografos, V. Sarli, C. Stathakis
Content
Main classes of natural products. Isolation of natural products. Main pathways for the biosynthesis of natural products. Retrosynthetic analysis of natural products. Main asymmetric synthesis reactions that lead to the formation of natural products. Biomimetic syntheses. Total synthesis of natural products. Industrial syntheses of natural products. Optimization of large-scale reactions-Avoiding the use of toxic reagents in the chemical industry.
Learning outcomes
In the context of this course, the P.S. is expected:
- To become familiar with the most important classes of natural products.
- To recognize the main pathways for the biosynthesis of natural products.
- To gain knowledge in biomimetic syntheses as well as main asymmetric synthesis reactions that lead to the formation of natural products.
- To be able to analyze industrially-used syntheses.
- To practice retrosynthetic analysis of natural products.
- To obtain skills to construct plans for synthesis of natural products.
Medicinal Chemistry of Bioactive Compounds
Optional Course, 2nd semester
Theory: 3 ECTS: 10
Teachers: Α. Koumbis, E. Nikolakaki, V. Sarli, Κ. Fylaktakidou
Content
Drug targets (structure and function of proteins, enzymes, receptors, nucleic acids, signal transduction). Pharmacokinetics. ADME and Lipinski Rules. Drug delivery systems. Organic nanobiotechnological materials. Drug discovery, design, and development (from lead compound to clinical trials). Tools for the discovery of drugs. Ιn silico drug design, in silico drug screening. Structure Activity relationship studies. Identification of the pharmacophore. Improvement of pharmacokinetics. Special chapters in medicinal chemistry (Anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, steroid anti-inflammatories, antidepression compounds). Protocols for the synthesis of biologically active compounds.
Learning outcomes
In the context of this course, the P.S. is expected:
- To become familiar with the basic principles of Medicinal Chemistry.
- To obtain skills to design medicinal and bioactive compounds.
- To become familiar with main cell signaling pathways.
- To become familiar with the mechanisms of action of bioactive compounds and medicinal products.
- To become familiar with syntheses that lead to industrially important drugs.
- To be aware of the challenges of modern medicinal chemistry as far as Therapeutic Input, Green Chemistry and Sustainable Development are concerned.
Biochemical Methods for Studying Bioactive Compounds
Optional Course, 2nd semester
Theory: 3 ECTS: 10
Teachers: D. Korovesis, E. Nikolakaki, R. Papi, I. Sigala
Content
Techniques of Biochemistry. Techniques of Molecular and Cell Biology like cell cultures of bacteria and eukaryotes, interaction of small molecules with DNA and estimation of cell viability, RT-PCR, SDS-electrophoresis protein analysis, Western Blotting analysis of proteins, immunofluorescence detection of subcellular proteins. Selected examples of studies of synthetic bioactive compounds with the above techniques.
Learning outcomes
In the context of this course, the P.S. is expected:
- To become familiar with the basic techniques of research in Biochemistry.
- To become familiar with methods of Molecular and Cell Biology.
- To embed methods like a) RT-PCR, b) SDS-electrophoresis protein analysis, c) Western Blotting analysis of proteins, d) immunofluorescence detection of subcellular proteins.
- To become familiar with cell cultures of bacteria and eukaryotes.
- To understand the ways of interaction of small molecules with DNA.
- To learn methods of estimation of cell viability.
Contemporary Applications of Inorganic Compounds and Materials
Optional Course, 2nd semester
Theory: 3 ECTS: 10
Teachers: C. Dendrinou-Samara, T. Lazarides, F. Noli, G. Psomas
Content
Metals and inorganic compounds in biological functions. Applications of compounds as luminescent detectors and as energy production and storage factors. Inorganic nanoparticles as antimicrobial and photodynamic factors. Magnetic nanoparticles in therapy and diagnosis. Inorganic materials (natural and synthetic) with environmental and technical applications.
Learning outcomes
In the context of this course, the P.S. is expected:
- To gain knowledge in the role of metals and inorganic compounds in biological functions.
- To become familiar with applications of complex compounds as luminescent detectors and as energy production and storage factors.
- To become familiar with the role of inorganic nanoparticles as antimicrobial and photodynamic factors
- To become aware of the role of magnetic nanoparticles in therapy and diagnosis.
- To become familiar with inorganic materials (natural and synthetic) with environmental and technical applications.
- To become aware of Green Chemistry and Sustainable Development issues related to modern applications.
Master Thesis
Compulsory Course, 3rd semester
Experimental: – ECTS: 30
Content
Introduction to scientific research. Review of scientific literature and design of a scientific target. Creation of original scientific work. Presentation of the results of the Master Thesis orally and in a written form according to the international scientific practice.
Learning outcomes
In the context of this course, the P.S. is expected:
- To practice in search, selection, analysis and synthesis of literature data.
- To become familiar with the laboratory techniques of the chosen scientific field.
- To embed the theoretically taught techniques via practice in the laboratory in a certain scientific subject.
- To obtain the necessary qualification to function in common work premises and to use equipment, devises and scientific instruments.
- To create a well-developed, original scientific manuscript that will integrate state-of-the-art, design and experimental implementation in research fields that afford Organic and/or Inorganic compounds and materials, their biochemical studies, and applications.
- To be able to organize theoretical/bibliographical and experimental data and to become familiar with the writing of a scientific manuscript.
- To become aware of plagiarism issues and to practice avoiding it via the reproduction of bibliographical data.
- To become familiar with the use and citation of references and with permissions of copyrights.
- To practice in organizing and presenting results in audience.