Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
This is a core module for the medicinal chemistry degree programmes at Keele, focussing on understanding the interaction of small molecules with biological targets in the body and applying this to the design of drug molecules. Topics are presented with extensive use of case studies and illustrative examples. A series of interactive workshops and exercises are used to build upon the taught material using on-line resources such as the protein data bank and docking software to give real-world examples. The module cumulates in a drug design exercise, in which teams of students undertake a simulated drug discovery programme, taking a molecule through iterative rounds of optimisation.
Aims
To develop an understanding of the fundamental principles used in medicinal chemistry to provide a deeper insight into the design and mode of action of medicines. To develop digital skills in using professional databases and software appropriate to medicinal chemistryTo develop problem solving and scientific presentation skills.To emphasise that medicinal chemistry builds upon core topics in organic, physical and inorganic chemistry.
Talis Aspire Reading ListAny reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/che-20081/lists
Intended Learning Outcomes
interpret the molecular structure of biological macromolecules in terms of their construction from biological building blocks (amino acids, peptides and proteins and DNA): 12apply the mechanisms and characteristics of the pharmacokinetic concepts of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion to explain the properties of drug molecules: 1,2employ individual and collaborative skills to create, interpret and present data from a range of sources including online databases and predictive software: 2recognise the stages involved in the development of new medicines and interpret this in the analysis of case studies that illustrate the drug discovery process: 1,2identify likely intermolecular interactions between ligands and biomolecules and apply this to the design of drug molecules with structure-activity relationships:
Taught content: 24 hoursPC lab sessions: 6 hoursDrug design exercise: 6 hoursIndependent study and coursework preparation: 114 hours
Description of Module Assessment
1: Assignment weighted 40%Drug Interactions AssignmentA individual write-up of a series of tasks to visualise and interpret the interactions of drugs with their biological targets using a range of professional scientific software programmes/databases. Equivalent to approx 2000 words.
2: Exercise weighted 60%Drug Design ExerciseAn individual write-up of a collaborative teamwork exercise including scientific presentation, interpretation of data and critical analysis. Equivalent to approx 3000 words.