BPS1042 - Pharmaceutical Science in context - 2019

This unit is designed to introduce the students to the major fields of the applied sciences in which pharmaceutical scientists specialise. The relationships between the different disciplines and their distinct roles in drug discovery and medicine development will be demonstrated. Participants are introduced to the following areas as they apply to the biology, chemistry, and formulation of medicines and related products:

• drug discovery biology
• medicinal chemistry
• formulation science

Students will also have the opportunity to attend specialised seminars on pharmaceutical science research.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. Identify and explain the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the signs and symptoms of a given disorder
2. Select a suitable therapeutic target for the treatment of a specified disorder
3. Design a research plan of experiments to test whether a drug target is suitable
4. Identify the key functional groups of current drug molecules and analyse their interactions with biological targets
5. Apply the principles of structure-based drug design in drug discovery to design novel drug molecules
6. Calculate and evaluate physicochemical characteristics of current and novel drug molecules to ascertain their drug-likeness
7. Apply the processes of lead optimization to improve the drug-likeness of designed drug molecules
8. Compare and contrast properties and characteristics of selected essential pharmaceutical forms and rationally choose a pharmaceutical form to create a medicine
9. Effectively present key project outcomes to a peer audience in an original format using media technology
10. Use reflective techniques to identify personal strengths and weaknesses in key skills and develop a personalised learning plan (PLP) addressing skill development

Active learning project presentation: 75% (25% per field covered) ; written press release one page report: 10%, personalised learning plan 10%, online and in-class quizzes 5%

Contact hours:

• Twenty-four 1-hour lectures
• Twelve 2-hour workshops
• Six 1-hour skills workshops
• Six 1-hour coaching meetings

Preparation:

• Twelve 1-hour online preparation modules

See also Unit timetable information

https://www.intranet.monash/pharm/students/undergrad/courses/bpharmsci