Spring 2026 - CHEM 433 D100
Bioinorganic Chemistry (3)
Class Number: 5853
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 20, 2026
Mon, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Caterina Ramogida
cfr@sfu.ca
778-782-4880
Office: SCC9035
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Prerequisites:
CHEM 332 with a minimum grade of C-; or at least 6 units of upper division MBB; or permission of the Department.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An overview of the roles of metal ions in biological systems, from trace elements, to enzymes, to medicinal inorganic chemistry.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
- Review of Inorganic Chemistry and Biochemistry concepts
- Familiarization of Protein Data Bank and protein visualization software (pyMOL)
- Familiarization of spectroscopic and experimental techniques to elucidate protein structure and function
- Overview of select metalloenzymes and cofactors
- Metal Storage and Uptake
- Activation of Dioxygen
- Cobalamin
- Biomineralization
- Nitrogen Cycle
- Electron transfer
- Mo & W enzymes
- Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry, Metals in Medicine
Grading
- Midterm 1 30%
- Midterm 2 30%
- Final Exam 40%
Materials
RECOMMENDED READING:
Ochiai, “Bioinorganic Chemistry: A Survey” 2008, Academic Press.
R.M. Roat-Malone, “Bioinorganic Chemistry: A Short Course” 2007, Wiley-Interscience.
R.A. Scott, C. M. Lukehart “Applications of Physical Methods to Inorganic and Bioinorganic Chemistry” 2007, Wiley
S.J. Lippard, J. M. Berg, “Principles of Bioinorganic Chemistry” 1994, University Science Books
Crichton “Biological Inorganic Chemistry: A New Introduction to Molecular Structure and Function” 2018, Elsevier
Bertini, Gray, Steifel, Valentine “Biological Inorganic Chemistry” 2007, University Science Books
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Department Undergraduate Notes:
A grade of C- or better is required for all prerequisite courses.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.