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CHE-30058 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

CHE-30058 - Mechanisms of Drug Action
Coordinator: Tess Phillips Room: LJ1.46 Tel: +44 1782 7 33038
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

CHE-30076


Description for 2026/27

The module follows the pathway of a drug substance through the body, looking at the key areas of pharmaceutics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. This is taught through lectures and problem classes and will be illustrated with topical case studies highlighting recent developments in the pharmaceutical industry.
This is followed by mini-symposia exploring a range of drug classes in which you will prepare and deliver an oral presentation based on a compendium looking in depth into the mechanism of action and pharmaceutical context of a drug molecule of your choice.

Aims
To build on an understanding of the fundamental principles of medicinal chemistry and provide a deeper insight into the mode of action of medicines.
To emphasise that medicinal chemistry builds upon core topics in organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry.
To develop analytical, problem solving and organisational skills.
To develop skills in information retrieval and database / literature searching.
To develop communication skills.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/che-30058/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

compare and contrast different pathways by which a drug molecule can enter the body and the different dosage forms available for each route: 1,2
explain the mechanism of action of different classes of drugs and relate the activity and properties of drug molecules with their structure: 1,2
use appropriate database / literature searching tools to retrieve, compile and critically evaluate information: 1,2
present material compiled from the scientific literature in context and at an appropriate level through the use of slides and verbal communication: 1
rationalise the body’s interaction with drug molecules through the application of pharmacokinetic concepts: 1,2

Study hours

Delivered content and interactive sessions: 14 hours
Mini-symposia: 6 hours
Coursework support sessions: 4 hours
Independent study and assessment prep: 126 hours


School Rules

Students selecting the module as an option at level 6 must have taken CHE-20081 at level 5

Description of Module Assessment

1: Presentation weighted 60%
Drug Action Presentation and Compendium
A compendium entry on an individual drug molecule, describing its significance, action, and properties in relation to its chemical structure, with key points communicated in a 5‑minute lightning talk supported by slides. Assessment is equally weighted between the quality of the compendium and the effectiveness with which key information is communicated through the talk and slides. Equivalent to 3000 words.

2: Assignment weighted 40%
Top Trumps
A set of Top Trumps cards summarising key information on a range of drug molecules accompanied by a critical analysis of their properties. Students will be assessed on the accuracy and quality of the prepared materials and the strength of evidence-based arguments made in their critical analysis. Equivalent to 2000 words.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 16 September 2026