Instructor Profile:
Dr. Mahendra D. Shinde
Head & Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Science at Sandip University, Nashik
Dr. Mahendra D. Shinde is a distinguished physicist and a recognized academic leader with an extensive background in nanotechnology and material science. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon, where his doctoral research centered on the synthesis and application of nanostructured SnO₂ in gas sensing systems. His expertise spans a wide array of areas within nanomaterials, with a particular focus on eco-friendly synthesis methods and gas sensing technologies.
Currently serving as the Head and Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Science at Sandip University, Nashik, Dr. Shinde has been a vital contributor to academia since 2012. Under his mentorship, six Ph.D. candidates have successfully completed their research, and his leadership extends further as the Chairman of the Board of Studies at Sandip University.
With over 660 citations, Dr. Shinde’s work is widely recognized in the academic community, boasting a Scopus h-index of 13 and an i10-index of 16. His research has been published in numerous high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, and he holds two patents in semiconductor devices, reflecting his contributions to the advancement of nanotechnology.
Dr. Shinde’s dedication to education and research earned him the prestigious “National Level Best Teacher/Academician Award-2022.” A life member of the Indian Society for Technical Education, he remains actively involved in shaping the future of material science and nanotechnology, not only through his research and teaching but also through his engagement with the global scientific community.
Through his MOOCs, Dr. Shinde aims to share his wealth of knowledge and expertise, providing students with cutting-edge insights into nanomaterials, gas sensing systems, and semiconductor technologies. His courses are designed for learners who are passionate about advancing their understanding of material science and exploring the practical applications of nanotechnology in the modern world.
Course Name: Chemistry, Role and Classification of Carbohydrates
This course provides an in-depth exploration of carbohydrates, focusing on their chemical structure, roles in biological systems, and classification. Through four detailed modules, leaners will develop a solid foundation in the chemistry of carbohydrates, preparing them to understand their significance in both academic and applied contexts.
Module 1: Introduction to Carbohydrates
- Overview of Carbohydrates: Definition and general significance in biological systems. Historical perspective on carbohydrate discovery and research.
- Basic Structure of Carbohydrates: Monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Chemical composition: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen ratios. Functional groups: aldehydes and ketones in carbohydrates.
- Importance of Carbohydrates: Role of carbohydrates in energy storage and structural components in organisms. Overview of carbohydrates in food and nutrition.
Module 2: Classification of Carbohydrates
- Monosaccharides: Classification by carbon chain length (trioses, tetroses, pentoses, hexoses). Structural isomerism: aldoses vs. ketoses. Introduction to stereochemistry and optical isomerism (D- and L- forms).
- Disaccharides: Common disaccharides (sucrose, lactose, maltose). Glycosidic bonds and their formation. Hydrolysis of disaccharides.
- Polysaccharides: Homopolysaccharides vs. heteropolysaccharides. Important polysaccharides: starch, glycogen, cellulose. Functions and applications in biological systems.
Module 3: Biological Role of Carbohydrates
- Carbohydrates in Metabolism: Glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and their roles in energy production. Carbohydrates in ATP synthesis.
- Structural Role of Carbohydrates: Function of cellulose in plant cell walls. Glycoconjugates in cell membranes (glycoproteins, glycolipids). Role in immune response and cellular communication.
- Carbohydrates in Health and Disease: Impact of carbohydrates in nutrition and metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes). Importance of dietary fibers and their health benefits.
Module 4: Applications and Advanced Concepts
- Carbohydrates in Food Chemistry: Sweeteners and their role in food industry. Use of polysaccharides as thickeners, stabilizers, and emulsifiers.
- Industrial Applications of Carbohydrates: Biofuels derived from carbohydrate sources. Applications in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
- Recent Advances in Carbohydrate Research: Carbohydrate-based vaccines and drug delivery systems. Role of carbohydrates in synthetic biology and green chemistry.
The course concludes with a comprehensive assessment that includes quizzes, assignments, and case studies, allowing learners to apply their knowledge and demonstrate their understanding of the chemistry and role of carbohydrates.