This module is at a basic level and builds on the introductory year 1 medicinal chemistry module. It deals with basic principles of drug action and focuses on drugs that target proteins. It includes a brief overview of relevant aspects of bioorganic / biochemistry, human physiology and pharmacology as they relate to understanding drug action. The practical element of the module supports and reinforces the concepts discussed in the lectures.
Biomolecules, Structure and Function, As Drug Targets.
A brief overview of human physiology, pharmacology and biochemistry for the purposes of understanding drug action: Structure and function of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids and their role as drug targets. The central and autonomic nervous system, the structure and function of receptors and enzymes. Drug action at receptors: agonism, antagonism, inverse and partial agonism. Inhibition of enzymes by drugs: competitive, non-competitive and allosteric. Mechanism of action of selection of drugs, for example: salbutamol, aspirin, penicillin, the sulfa drugs, fluoxetine, paclitaxel.
Overview of drugs and drug action, drug discovery, design and development.
Phases of drug action, selectivity, safety and the therapeutic index, classification of drugs. Drug-target interactions: Binding (role, nature, quality), binding site, regions and groups, desolvation penalty, hydrophobic effect. Lock and key mechanism and induced fit. Drug design and development - Structure Activity Relationship studies, identifying the pharmacophore and important binding groups, biological evaluation, drug discovery and the tools used to enable it.
Laboratory component: 5 x 3 hour laboratory / workshop sessions. Laboratory work is sourced from the School of Chemical and BioPharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory Manuals.
Students will learn through lectures (20 hours), problem solving (4 hours), laboratory practicals and workshops (15 hours) and self directed learning (61 hours).
Self directed learning is encouraged and supported using online resources hosted by Webcourses to encourage pre-laboratory and pre-lecture preparation.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 55 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 45 |