Curriculum in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry

Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry (Curriculum SC-COB)

Programme structure of the curriculum:  The curriculum in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry (COB), unique for its specificity in Italy, lasts two years, and it is organized in four semesters. The Programme structure of the curriculum consists of 11 compulsory courses (72 credits, CFU), which include 4 core courses (24 CFU), common to all the curricula of the master degree in ‘Chemical Science’, and 2 CFU dedicated to other training activities useful for the Chemist's profession.The student can also 'personalize' his / her training path by using 12 CFUs for optional courses (chosen by the student). At the end of the programme the student must undertake an internship on a research projectfor conducting the Master's Experimental Thesis (34 CFU). This internship, in which the student develops an experimental activity with the constant supervision of a tutor, and is distributed at least two semesters, may be carried out jointly with a research group of the University of Catania or in external companies/research structures, either in Italy or abroad.

Educational Goals: Within the general objectives of the Master's Degree in Chemical Sciences (class LM 54), the curriculum in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry intends specifically to prepare professional figures with a broad and flexible training based on organic chemistry, which looks closely at Life Sciences. Taking into account that over 90% of the known compounds are organic molecules, the knowledge of organic chemistry has implications in many areas ranging from the research of new drugs to the development of new materials. Particularly, master graduates will have a solid knowledge of organic and bioorganic chemistry andaptitude for problem solving; the graduate will also acquire advanced knowledge on methods for isolation and structural characterization of organic molecules and macromolecules, on biomimetic, stereoselective and enzymatic methods of synthesis, on computational methods applied to organic chemistry, on supramolecular chemistry, and on the chemistry of natural compounds and macromolecules of biological interest with particular reference to proteins.

Local companies relationships: Public and private organizations of many areas, including chemical, food and agro-industry, health, energy, conservation of cultural heritage, control and environmental protection.

Career opportunities: Master graduates in Organic and Organic Chemistry will have specific skills in the design and synthesis of organic compounds for targeted applications, and in the analysis of organic compounds also in complex matrices. Therefore, they can play the professional role of Chemist in research activity within public or private organizations in several areas, including chemical, food and agro-industry, health, energy, conservation of cultural heritage, control and environmental protection.