M1 - Chemistry of Biomolecules (BM)

Fluorinated biomolecules. Current developments in fluorinated molecules. Fluorination methods: nucleophilic and electrophilic monofluorination; introduction of difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl groups. The contribution of the fluorine atom(s) to the activity of these compounds. Examples of syntheses of fluorinated compounds used as antitumor and antiviral agents; antidepressants, anxiolytics, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.

Phosphorus-containing biomolecules. Structure, nomenclature, reactivity, structural analysis, and applications.

We will discuss several synthetic routes for compounds from each of the families covered, highlighting, where appropriate, unconventional activation methods. The focus will be on biomedical applications, as well as other applications in agrochemistry, optoelectronics, nanomaterials, and more.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 3:00 p.m. (7.5 hours on fluorinated biomolecules and 7.5 hours on phosphorus-containing biomolecules)

TD: 5 hours

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This course unit provides students with foundational knowledge and cross-disciplinary skills in the field of colloids and interfaces, which are common to the various tracks within the Master’s in Chemistry program (Materials Chemistry, Separation Chemistry, Materials and Processes, ICAP Cosmetic Engineering, and Biomolecular Chemistry). It is also offered to international students enrolled in the SFRI program at the University of Montpellier, where instruction is conducted in English. An introductory presentation covering basic notions and concepts will help students discover and better understand the main physicochemical properties of colloidal dispersions, associative colloids, and macromolecular solutions, as well as the parameters and phenomena governing stability in colloidal dispersions and mixed solution-colloid systems. Next, an interdisciplinary practical course based on the flipped classroom model will be offered to help students build and deepen their knowledge through individual and group analysis of the various applications of colloidal and interfacial phenomena and systems.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 7

TD: 13

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The purpose of this course is to teach liquid-phase chromatography and gas-phase chromatography.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 3:00 p.m.

            TD: 5 hours

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Knowledge of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques using electron impact ionization and a quadrupole mass analyzer for the analysis of volatile organic molecules.

1) GC-MS analyses of volatile organic compounds:

• Electron Impact (EI) Ionization Techniques
• Chemical Ionization (CI) Techniques
• Quadrupole (Q) Analysis Techniques
• GC/MS Couplings

2) Applications in organic chemistry analysis and the characterization of volatile samples.

Hourly Volumes*:

CM: 3:00 p.m.

TD: 5 hours

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Knowledge of the major families of polymers used in the biomedical field.

1) Unique Characteristics of Polymers for Biomedical Applications and Major Families of Polymers Used

2) Description of Application Families

3) Discussion of the concept of synthesis and the relationship between structure, properties, and specifications

Hourly Volumes*:

CM: 3:00 p.m.

TD: 5 H

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This course provides a concise and systematic overview of all aspects of heterocyclic chemistry, from nomenclature to applications such as the mechanisms of action of medications, toxins, and drugs, as well as pigments, food colorings, and more…

Hourly Volumes*:

CM: 3:00 p.m.

TD: 5 hours

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Natural products play a major role in the field of biomolecular chemistry. They represent an important source of bioactive compounds for medicinal chemistry. This course provides a comprehensive overview of secondary metabolism and the origin of natural products derived from plants. This course will focus on the organic chemistry underlying the various biotransformations that occur during the biosynthesis of each major class of molecules. A mechanistic approach will be used to understand the chemical basis of each transformation.

Hourly Volumes*:

CM: 13 

TD: 7

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NMR:

Liquid-phase NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) is an essential spectroscopic analytical method for chemists, enabling, in particular, the determination of the structure of small organic molecules or macromolecules in solution, as well as the study of dynamic phenomena... The objective of this course unit is to understand the phenomena involved in this technique and to relate them to the various structural insights provided by this method. The goal is to be able to interpret the spectral data obtained from this analysis to elucidate the structure and stereochemistry of organic molecules or the structures of polymers, or to monitor reactions.

X-ray diffraction:

X-ray diffraction is a powerful, non-destructive technique for characterizing the crystalline structure of materials; it is also capable of providing crystallographic and structural information, such as lattice parameters and atomic positions. This includes all crystalline materials, such as ceramics, materials for energy and information storage and processing, as well as organic molecules and metal complexes (interatomic distances and angles, stereochemistry (chirality, stereoisomerism, etc.), intra- and intermolecular bonds, etc.). The objective of this course unit is to provide an introduction to crystallography and diffraction, with the goal of understanding the operation and characteristics of an X-ray diffractometer, as well as interpreting diffraction patterns (structural analysis, lattice parameters).

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 10

            TD: 10

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Knowledge of the latest mass spectrometry techniques for the qualitative analysis of organic molecules and biomolecules.

1) Description of the fundamental principles (Ion Science and Technology):

- Ionization Techniques

- Analytical Techniques

- Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS)

- LC/MS and LC/MS/MS couplings

2) Application in the analysis of biomolecules and the monitoring of organic chemical reactions.

Hourly Volumes*:

CM: 3:00 p.m.

TD: 5 hours

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This course unit will cover the fundamental concepts and practical tools of chemometrics through: - statistical data analysis;

• the laws of probability;
• confidence interval estimation;
• parametric and nonparametric tests.

An introduction to experimental design will be offered at the end of the module.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 7 a.m.

TD: 1:00 p.m.

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The first part of the course presents the fundamentals of transition-metal organometallic chemistry. It begins with a description of the metal-carbon bond to facilitate an understanding of its stability and chemical reactivity.  Next, we will demonstrate the power of this synthetic tool for forming C–H, C–C, and other bonds. Examples of their applications in various fields will help students grasp these reactions and their areas of application: fine chemistry, industrially important catalytic transformations, the synthesis of natural products, and the preparation of materials.

The second part of this course is devoted to the chemistry of heteroelements, with a focus on silicon, tin, and boron. This part aims to present the various methods for preparing boron-, tin-, and silicon-based reagents, as well as the main transformations carried out with these compounds, including their applications in organic synthesis and materials synthesis.

CM: 1:00 p.m. 

TD: 7 H

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This course is designed to build on the fundamentals of organic chemistry and coordination chemistry covered in the third year of the bachelor’s program and to introduce concepts related to molecular engineering and molecular chemistry. The course consists of lectures and tutorials. Students will prepare for certain lectures and tutorials using provided course materials, enabling them to actively participate in class and tutorials, understand the concepts presented, and acquire the necessary skills. A study plan and related activities will be provided. For students who have not covered the fundamentals of coordination chemistry and organic chemistry, relevant materials will be made available.

Coordination Chemistry: The course will cover various aspects of transition metal and lanthanide complexes, molecular materials (polynuclear complexes and coordination polymers with extended structures, such as MOFs, etc.), as well as their properties and applications. Structural aspects, bond characterization, properties, and issues related to stability and reactivity will be addressed. Emphasis will be placed on the complexation effect and the stability of complexes of metals, lanthanides, and actinides with certain ligands, with a view to applications in the biomedical field (imaging and therapy), decontamination (nuclear field), etc. The electronic properties (relaxivity, magnetism) and optical properties (absorption, luminescence) of these complexes will be discussed and placed in the context of applications in various fields, such as imaging, electronics, sensors, etc.

Organic Chemistry: This course builds on the knowledge acquired during the Bachelor’s program and will provide a systematic study of the main reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry, establishing a common foundation for all students in the Master’s in Chemistry program. The main processes (substitution, addition, elimination, transposition, etc.) and their essential characteristics and applications to mechanistic sequences will be examined. This course is designed to equip students with general tools for analyzing mechanisms (ionic, radical, and concerted) so they can understand these mechanisms in all their variety.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 1:00 p.m.

TD: 7 H

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The professional project bridges the gap between traditional practical work and laboratory or industry internships. It takes the form of a supervised project in which students are placed in a professional setting through collaborative (group) work based on the completion of a project addressing a problem identified by a company, local government, nonprofit organization, or academic institution. It is part of the core curriculum of the Master’s in Chemistry and is carried out under the supervision of a faculty member or industry professional serving as a mentor. Conducted throughout the semester, this project aims to integrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills acquired during the undergraduate and early Master’s programs through this professional scenario. These real-world scenarios will be directly related to the Master’s track chosen by the students. In addition to disciplinary skills in chemistry, students will also acquire interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills—which are intrinsically linked to project management—thereby equipping them for their future professional careers.

Addressing a research problem: an example of the synthesis of new phosphorescent materials.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 5 hours

TD: 5 hours

Practical Training: 40 hours

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The internship in the 8th semester of the Master’s 1 program in Biomolecular Chemistry is designed to familiarize students with careers in life sciences research. Students will have the opportunity to complete this introductory research internship in academic or private laboratories. Subject to prior approval by the academic staff (internship topic must be related to the master’s program curriculum and the environment/resources must be appropriate), students may seek a host team in an academic setting at the institutes of the Chemistry Cluster at the University of Montpellier (IBMM, ICGM, …), in academic laboratories outside the University of Montpellier (in France or abroad), or in the private sector (chemical, pharmaceutical, and agri-food industries, biotechnology laboratories, …).

Fieldwork: 2- to 4-month internship

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Nucleosides are the basic building blocks of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). As such, they play an essential role in many biological processes. This course will cover the structure and biological role of natural nucleosides. The course will also cover the main pathways for the synthesis and characterization of these compounds and their analogs (glycosylation reactions, structural modifications of the furanose ring, substitution and introduction of heteroatoms, configuration inversion, etc.). The use of nucleoside analogs in the treatment of viral diseases and cancers will also be discussed.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 3:00 p.m.

TD: 5 hours

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This course is shared among MI students in the Master’s in Chemistry program: ICAP P1, ICAP P2, MAT P1, MAT P2, and BM (second semester). The following topics will be covered:

• The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry and Units of Measurement in Green Chemistry;
• Synthesis Strategies in Sustainable Chemistry;
• Alternative or environmentally friendly solvents for synthesis and extraction;
• Unconventional Activation Techniques and Applications.

CM: 13

TD: 7 H

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The course on medicinal chemistry aims to introduce students to the key steps in the process of developing molecules with biological activity. In particular, the course will cover the interactions involved, the concept of the pharmacophore, bioisostery, and other related topics, as well as structure-activity relationship studies, enabling students to consider appropriate strategies and structural modifications.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 3:00 p.m.

TD: 5 hours

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Following an overview of the concepts of prochirality and stereochemistry, this course will introduce the tools needed to master diastereoselective and enantioselective syntheses. The various approaches will be presented in a detailed and systematic manner. Examples of industrial syntheses of chiral bioactive molecules will be discussed.

Hourly Volumes*:

CM: 3:00 p.m.

TD: 5 H

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This course covers synthetic methods used to produce enantiopure amino acids, as well as the use of chiral amino acids in the synthesis of other enantiopure compounds.

These amino acids are the building blocks of peptides. The various physicochemical properties resulting from the nature of these amino acids will enable the development of strategies for synthesizing peptides of interest and characterizing them.

Hourly Volumes*:

CM: 3:00 p.m.

TD: 5 H

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The following topics will be covered:

- Bio-based solvents

- Fuels derived from biomass

- Antioxidants derived from lignin

- Metal catalysts derived from plants

- Surfactants derived from renewable resources

- Examples of industrial applications of enzymatic synthesis

Hourly Volumes*:

CM: 15

TD: 5

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This learning unit will explore, in small groups or through individualized instruction, educational tools and best practices related to communication and career integration, through:

• assessments of knowledge, skills, competencies, interpersonal skills, and motivation;
• raising awareness of job-search techniques;
• CV and cover letter writing;
• rules for oral and written communication;
• mock job interviews.

Practical exercises directly related to the industries targeted by the students’ respective programs will be offered.

TP: 8:00 p.m.

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An overview of the most commonly used computational and modeling methods in the field of solid-state chemistry, categorized by the spatial and temporal scales that can be studied using these methods:

(1) Quantum calculations (Hartree-Fock, post-Hartree-Fock methods, DFT),

(2) Force-field-based modeling (atomistic and coarse-grained),

(3) Hybrid QMMM and AACG modeling.

Overview of various computational techniques: static and optimization calculations, molecular dynamics, and Monte Carlo simulations.

The EU will include lectures and lab sessions. Two modeling lab assignments will be offered: modeling techniques in classical mechanics and quantum calculations.

            CM: 11:00 a.m.

            TD: 9:00 a.m.

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"Hybrid" materials constitute a new class of materials that combine organic ligands linking inorganic units; they are being studied more and more, both from a fundamental and an applied perspective.

In this course unit, two main categories of hybrid materials will be covered:

• Coordination Networks and Metal-Organic Frameworks
• Organosilicon/carbon materials

CM: 10 a.m.

TD: 10 a.m.

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This course unit is dedicated to introducing inorganic materials and nanomaterials intended for use in the biomedical field (imaging, therapy, implants). This course unit builds upon the knowledge acquired in course unit HAC930C (Development of Materials for Health). The course aims to explore health-related issues and the role of inorganic materials and nanomaterials in diagnosis, therapy, and well-being. Strategies for developing future inorganic materials and nanomaterials based on theragnostics, multifunctionality, and smart materials will also be addressed.

The EU program includes lectures and tutorials. Students will be assigned a group project on the (theoretical) study of a material or inorganic nanomaterials for health applications.    

CM: 11

 TD: 9

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The course on strategies and tools in organic synthesis focuses on developing a deeper understanding of strategies for synthesizing molecules—whether or not they are derived from nature—using the tools of organic chemistry.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 3:00 p.m.

TD: 5 hours

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