Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Unit Catalogue 2011/12 |
|
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7) |
| Period: |
Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| EX 60%, OR 40% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take PA30244 |
| Description:
| Aims: To provide students with a critical knowledge and understanding of current techniques and developments in the design of new drug molecules. Learning Outcomes: After completing this unit, students will be able to understand, evaluate and deal with the complexities of modern day drug design and make informed judgements on the suitability of novel compounds as potential therapeutic entities. They will be able to evaluate critically current research literature in this area and communicate their findings clearly. Skills: Scientific skills (T/F/A) Study skills, handling information, working with others (T/F/A) Problem solving (T/F). Content: Following a brief review of relevant material from PA30244 (core), the course will cover various aspects of the modern drug design process. Topics will include how targets (both the target disease and the biological targets) are chosen, what makes good lead compounds (affinity/efficacy, 'drug-likeness' and appropriate metabolic stability) and the techniques used to allow rational development of these leads into potential drug candidates. The role of ADME-Tox data in directing the development of preclinical candidates will be described. Also covered will be various techniques, such as the use of isosteres and peptidomimetics, pro-drug and soft-drug design, to circumvent some of the problems that can arise in the development process. Examples from the current literature will be discussed during the course. |
| Programme availability: |
PA40255 is Optional on the following programmes:Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology
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