module specification

BC5062 - Fundamentals of Medicinal Chemistry (2023/24)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2023/24
Module title Fundamentals of Medicinal Chemistry
Module level Intermediate (05)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Human Sciences
Total study hours 150
 
39 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
111 hours Guided independent study
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 60%   Intercalated practical report (2000 words)
Unseen Examination 40%   Online exam (1.5 hour)
Attendance Requirement 0%   Practical Attendance
Running in 2023/24

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Autumn semester North Monday Afternoon

Module summary

The module provides experience, knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of medicinal chemistry. Explores the rational for biochemical principles that are fundamental to the study of medicine and related healthcare areas. The module will cover general and applied biochemistry, focusing on the structure and function of important drug targets such as receptors, enzymes, and nucleic acids. Material will review biochemistry knowledge and expand in preparation for areas such as the general principles and strategies involved in discovering and designing new drugs.

Prior learning requirements

BC4052

Syllabus

General and applied biochemistry. Focusing on the structure and function of important drug targets such as receptors, enzymes, and nucleic acids. The material will review and expand metabolic biochemistry (carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism) knowledge in preparation for areas such as the general principles and strategies involved in discovering and designing new drugs. Topic areas students will be introduced to include antibacterial, antivirals, cancer agents, toxicology and drug monitoring.
(LO1-3)

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Students will be provided with the opportunity to acquire knowledge through a programme of lectures, problem-solving tutorial sessions, laboratory based practical exercises and on-line exercises. Students’ ability to make critical evaluations will be developed through analysis of source material and case studies supported by tutorial material. Students ability to attain and critically evaluate data, and scrutinise the data through problem solving activities will be developed through laboratory based exercises. Students will be expected to reflect on taught material in order to demonstrate their understanding of the principles and practices of medicinal chemistry (total: 150 hours).

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Compare and contrast of the principles and practice of medicinal chemistry
2. Design a protocol for the development of a new drug/s and evaluate and discuss the mode of actions for named drugs from an online search
3. Explain and evaluate the range and diversity of metabolic processes

Assessment strategy

The module will be summatively assessed by an intercalated practical study which will test the application of student’s knowledge of the principles and practice of medicinal chemistry in the design and development of a protocol for testing a new drug/s. The module will also be assessed by an online exam which will focus on knowledge of the subject and its application, evaluation and mode of action of drug/s.
To pass the module, students need to achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 40%. There will be an attendance requirement for the practical sessions. If the module is passed on reassessment, then the maximum mark awarded will be 40%.

Bibliography

https://londonmet.rl.talis.com/index.html?lang=en

Journals:
American Journal Medicinal Chemistry, European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry, and Journal of Pharmacological Sciences.

You are also referred to articles, such as those below in selected learning centre journals: BMJ, Lancet, Molecular Medicine Today, Nature, New Scientist, Medicine and the web haematology links in the student directed learning tutorial.