CHE-20027 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2020/21

This is a core module for the medicinal chemistry degree programmes at Keele, focussing on the interaction of drug molecules with biological targets in the body. Topics are introduced in lectures with extensive use of case studies and illustrative examples. A series of interactive workshops / exercises used to build upon the lecture material using on-line resources such as the protein data bank to give real-world examples. Labs involve a multiple-step synthesis of an anti-bacterial agent, building on organic, synthetic and analytical skills. The module cumulates in a final drug design exercise, in which teams of students undertake a simulated drug discovery programme, taking a molecule through iterative rounds of optimisation.
The module is assessed by a coursework portfolio incorporating individual reports, interactive team talks, case study problems and a series of focused lab assessment items from the lab practicals.

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 experimental and analytical laboratory skills.
To develop problem solving and scientific presentation skills.
To emphasise that medicinal chemistry builds upon core topics in organic, physical and inorganic chemistry.

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): 1,3
describe the structure and basic physiological function of enzymes and receptors: 1,3
apply pharmacodynamic models to explain drug interactions with receptors and enzymes and to interpret dose-response curves, potency and efficacy: 1,3
apply the mechanisms and characteristics of the pharmacokinetic concepts of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion to explain the behaviour of drug molecules: 1,3
employ individual and collaborative skills to prepare and present display materials: 1
describe the drug discovery process and the stages involved in the development of new medicines and interpret this in the analysis of case studies: 1,3
apply familiar concepts in organic synthesis and explain the challenges and compromises of multi-step synthesis, medicinal and process scale synthesis: 2
identify likely intermolecular interactions between ligands and biomolecules and apply this to the design of drug molecules with structure-activity relationships: 1,3

Study hours

Lectures/problem classes: 25 hours
Laboratory sessions: 15 hours
Workshops/scheduled coursework sessions: 15 hours
Independent study, laboratory preparation and coursework preparation: 97 hours

School Rules

Successful completion of FHEQ Level 4 modules in Chemistry or equivalent.

Description of Module Assessment