CHEM3550
10 units
3000 level
Course handbook
Description
This course examines the key features of the rational design of new medicinal agents and of the importance of close links between the biological and chemical sciences.The basic principles of synthetic and structural chemistry are applied to the evaluation of biologically active molecules from hit discovery through to delivery and clinical use. A range of key drug types are explored including aromatics, carbohydrates, metal-based drugs, natural products and biopharmaceuticals. The course is delivered in three 4-week modules (Weeks 1-4, 5-8 and 9-12) linked to a lab project and module assessment.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 2 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Describe the methods chemists use for identifying and screening drug leads;
2. Identify and explain key features in drugs that make them appropriate therapeutics;
3. Describe the key pathways by which naturally occurring therapeutics are synthesised by plants and animals;
4. Compare and contrast the modes of action of different classes of drugs;
5. Describe and assess strategies to improve drug delivery;
6. Critically evaluate the scientific literature as applied to pharmaceuticals;
7. Apply organic chemistry techniques to synthesise, isolate and characterise drugs and drug-like molecules and report findings;
8. Work safely and competently in an organic chemistry laboratory setting.
Content
1. Lead ('hit') discovery
- Sources of leads
- Key features required for biological activity
- Structure based design, isosteres
2. Introduction to chemical complexity in drug discovery
- Carbohydrate based drugs (chemistry and biology)
- Metal-based and semi-metal based drugs
- Factors influencing drug-ability
3. Biopharmaceuticals
- Secondary metabolites and biosynthesis of natural therapeutics
- Protein, antibody and RNA based drugs
- Enhancing drug delivery with nanomaterials
Requisite
Students must have successfully completed CHEM2310 or CHEM2201 to be enrolled in this course.
Assumed knowledge
CHEM2110 Applied Analytical Chemistry.
Assessment items
Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: Laboratory Exercises and Reports
Compulsory Requirement: Pass requirement - Must pass this assessment item to pass the course.
In Term Test: In Term Tests
Compulsory Requirement: Pass requirement 40% - Must obtain 40% in this assessment item to pass the course.
Contact hours
Semester 2 - 2024 - Callaghan
Laboratory-1
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
- Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 100% of sessions.
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
- Tutorials will commence in week 2. In weeks 5, 9 and 13, there will be a 2 hour In-term Test.
Course outline
Course outline not yet available.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.