module specification

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.

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. Topic areas students will be introduced to include antibacterial, antivirals, cancer agents, toxicology and drug monitoring. LO1, LO2, LO3

Students will be provided with the opportunity to acquire knowledge through a programme of lectures (30 hours), problem-solving tutorial sessions (8 hours), laboratory based practical exercises (6 hours) and on-line exercises (16 hours). 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).

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
3. Evaluate and discuss the mode of actions for named drugs from an online search

The module will be summatively assessed by an intercalated practical study in week 8 (60% of the overall module mark), and a online open book format exam (40%).
The intercalated practical study 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 online open book format exam will assess 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%.

Component                                                                                Learning Outcomes
Intercalated practical study (2000 words) (60%)                1, 2                  
Online examination (1.5 hrs) (40%)                                      1, 3

Recommended textbooks:
Brownie, A.C., and Kernohan, J.C., (2005). Medical Biochemistry. 2nd Ed. Churchill Livingston
Patrick, G.L., (2017). An Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry. 6th Ed. OUP Oxford
Wills, E.D. (2013). Biochemical Basis of Medicine. Butterworth Heinemann
Check WebLearn for recommended internet sites

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.