Offered
Parkville First semester 2008 (Day)
Synopsis
Autonomic nervous system agents. Structural determination and analysis of drugs. Reactivity and molecular interactions of drugs. Energy changes in biological processes. Biologically important macromolecules and their interactions. Clinical chemistry.
Objectives
Students will develop an:
- Understanding of the nomenclature and meaning of terms used to describe the three-dimensional structures (stereochemistry) of drug molecules; spectroscopic methods used in the analysis and structural determination of drugs; the theory and application of thermodynamics; the structural and mechanistic bases for the action of the autonomic neurotransmitters and related agents; factors affecting the physiochemical properties and reactivity of drugs based on aromatic frameworks; factors influencing the three dimensional structures of proteins; the partition of substances between various phases as applied to both the analyses of drugs and their transport in the body; principles of electrochemistry applied in the analysis of drugs; the chemical principles underlying selected diagnostic aids relevant to pharmacy; the application of radioisotopes in pharmacy.
- Ability in the areas of measurement and recording of data relevant to the understanding of drug structure and reactivity; numerical calculations based on experimental or theoretical data; report writing or oral presentations based on the results of experimental work.
- Appreciation of the general chemical principles of enzymatic catalysis; the importance of chemical reactions in determining drug transport and metabolism; the application of the principles of medicinal chemistry to the search for selectivity in therapeutic agents.
Assessment
Examination (3 hours)
Contact hours
64 hours of Lectures, 9 hours of Tutorials and 6 hours Practicals.
Prerequisites
VCP1021 and VCP1022