Description
The aim of the module is to impart an understanding of what medicinal chemists consider when attempting to design new pharmaceuticals. The module will describe the principles involved in modern drug design and drug discovery, usually with reference to compounds in current clinical usage. Topics to be covered include: an introduction to the basis of drug design and development: molecular size, shape and charge in drug action, quantitative structure-activity relationships; antibacterial and antifungal chemotherapy; enzyme inhibitors as drugs and antiviral and anticancer chemotherapy.
MODULE AIMS
Understand how to relate chemical structure to biological activity.
Understand how to conduct a structure-activity analysis.
Appreciate the various approaches to drug discovery and to be able to exemplify them
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
Lectures: The topics will be introduced through a blended delivery of asynchronous videos with online activities, and support hours. In addition, there will be contributions by speakers from the pharmaceutical industry. The material in these lectures will also be examinable; however, there will not be a separate question on the exam paper specifically for these lectures.
Self-study: In addition to timetabled hours it is expected that you engage in self-study in order to master the material. This can take the form of practicing example questions (additional questions available on Moodle and past exam questions) and further reading in textbooks and online.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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