One Day Seminar on the topic “Chemical foundations of biological systems: exploring the interplay of chemistry and life”

Purpose and scope of the event

• The purpose of the Seminar in Chemistry is a significant field of science that studies matter, its properties, composition, and how it changes. Chemistry has many applications in everyday life.
• To help students develop professional skills and attitudes of scientists.
• To work in conjunction with academic advisors to help students appreciate the interconnections in the chemistry curriculum and develop and execute a plan to successfully complete graduation requirements in a timely fashion.
• To further prepare students for the transition from their undergraduate experience to the next step in their careers as scientists.
• To familiarize the students with the opportunities in and requirements for a career in chemistry or a chemistry-related field.
• To encourage thought about those characteristics that contribute to the making of a good scientist and to emphasize how diversity of perspective and tal¬ents can help solve scientific problems.
• To introduce ideas or topics of growing importance related to chemistry that are not typically covered in General Chemistry.

Details on One Day Seminar Programme

One Day Seminar Programme was organised by the Department of Chemistry on December20, 2024,from10.00am to 4.00pm on “Chemical Foundations of Biological Systems: exploring the Interplay of Chemistry and Life”under the supervision of Dr. Roopa R. A. and Dr. Manasa H. S. at DOS in Chemistry, PG Centre, Mysuru. The program was compiled by Punyashree, 2nd M.Sc. and invocation by Rohith 1st M.Sc.

As part of the program, a formal welcome ceremony was organized to welcome the guest of honour, Prof. K. Mantelingu, Department of Studies in Chemistry, Manasagangothri, University of Mysore and Dr Umashankara. M Assistant Professor, Department of Studies and Research in Chemistry, KSOU, Mysore by Dr Roopa R. A. Assistant professor and HOD, Department of Chemistry, PBMMEC, Mysuru-16, followed by lighting of a lamp by the delegates.

The Department of Studies in Chemistry organized a poster presentation competition on 19 December 2024, on the topic“Chemistry Nobel Prize Winners and their Invention” at Mahajana PG Centre. The prize winners were announced by Dr Manasa H. S. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry and distributed by Guests followed by a vote of thanks.

After the tea break, a felicitation ceremony was held to honour the guests. Mrs.Shalini, Guest Faculty of Chemistry Department presented a citation to the guest, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the field.

Prof. K. Mantelingu began by introducing the concept of”IDENTIFICATION OF NOVEL SMALL MOLECULAR MODULATORS OF BCL2 AND NON-HOMOLOGOUS DNA END-JOINING (NHEJ)”, highlighting their significance in cancer biology. The speaker then discussed the current therapeutic strategies targeting BCL2and NHEJ, emphasizing the need for novel small molecular modulators.The lecturer presented an overview of the approaches used to identify novel modulators, including high-throughput screening, structure-based design, and fragment-based lead discovery. The professor also discussed the challenges associated with targeting BCL2 and NHEJ,such as specificity, potency, and toxicity. The key takeaways from session 1 include: – The importance of BCL2 and NHEJ in cancer biology – The need for novel therapeutic strategies targeting BCL2 and NHEJ – The approaches used to identify novel small molecular modulators – The challenges associated with targeting BCL2 and NHEJ.

In session 2 the second speaker Dr.Umashankara. M took the stage and initiated the lecture program on“DEVELOPMENT OF PEPTIDE MOLECULES TO PREVENT HIV-1VIRUS AT ENTRY LEVEL” The guest delivered acomprehensive lecture, covering the following topics: – HIV-1 entry into host cells: mechanisms and challenges – Peptide molecules as potentialHIV-1 entry inhibitors – Design and development of peptide molecules -Current status and prospects of peptide-based HIV-1 therapeutics The speaker was well-received by the audience, comprising students,faculty members. The lecture provided a comprehensive overview of the topic and inspired the audience to explore the field further.

Totally 36 students from the first and third semesters have participated in the Seminar Program. TheDepartment of Chemistry expresses its gratitude to the guest lecturers for sharing their expertise and insights. The vote of thanks marked a fitting conclusion to the orientation program, which provided a valuableplatform for knowledge sharing, discussion, and networking. The program’s success was a testament to the collaborative efforts of all involved.