Clayton Second semester 2008 (Day)
This unit focuses on several major classes of biologically and clinically important therapeutic agents. Students will study the traditional use, isolation, structural characterisation, synthesis and clinical evaluation of drugs and also be exposed to newer crystallographic, computational, combinatorial and screening methodology used in drug design and development. The subject will consist of three inter-related sections:
On completion of this unit students will have developed an understanding of the traditional and modern methods used for drug discovery; of how molecules interact at the molecular level, and how this relates to the activity of drugs; how crystallography and computational methods can be used for drug development and of combinatorial chemistry, and how it can be used in drug discovery, with particular reference to biological polymers. Students will have further developed skills in the use of reaction mechanisms and how a knowledge of reaction mechanisms can aid in understanding the mode of action of a drug, and the method by which it can be synthesised, and developed generic practical skills, through laboratory work. They will have gained an appreciation of research work through involvement in small research projects, and have enhanced their professional skills in problem solving, and in both written and oral forms of scientific communication.
One 2-hour examination:60%
Seminar/Assignments: 10%+ Laboratory work and short laboratory reports: 30%
Students must achieve a pass mark in their laboratory work to achieve an overall pass grade.
Two 1-hour lectures, one 1-hour tutorial and the equivalent of 3 hours of laboratory activity per week
6 points of level one chemistry and CHM2911 or CHM2912 or CHM2941
CHM3931