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CH3F9-15 Molecular Pharmacology

Department
Chemistry
Level
Undergraduate Level 3
Module leader
Tim Bugg
Credit value
15
Module duration
10 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry
Introductory description

N/A

Module web page

Module aims

The aim of the module is to describe current developments, methods and techniques in drug design and drug discovery in the pharmaceutical industry. The module is given by representatives of major pharmaceutical companies, who present case studies and techniques in modern drug discovery and drug development. The module also aims to develop transferable skills. This module is assessed by 100% assessed work via team presentation of an assigned topic in medicinal chemistry, an oral presentation, and an individual written assignment.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Lectures will be presented by senior scientists from the pharmaceutical industry. Each visiting lecturer will present 1-2 lectures describing case studies in modern drug design and drug discovery. The precise content lectures will vary according to the areas of research & development of the visiting lecturers. Current lecturers and syllabus as follows: Dr. Peter North (GSK) Discovery of sumitriptan for treatment of migraine.
Dr. David Fox (Funxional Therapeutics). Discovery of chemokine receptor antagonists
Dr. Paul Davis (Mologic). The human immune system, therapeutic & technological applications of antibodies.
Dr. John Pollard (Vertex) Enzyme inhibition, inhibitors of protein kinases.
Dr. Andrew Merritt (LifeArc) Combinatorial chemistry & high-throughput screening.
Dr. Nigel Ramsden (RXelerate) Protein kinase inhibitors for treatment of inflammation.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Describe and present current advances in drug design, drug discovery and drug development.
  • Work effectively in a team in order to research and present a report in the area of current drug discovery.
  • Make an effective written presentation on a topic in current drug discovery.
  • Make an effective oral presentation on a topic in current drug discovery.
Indicative reading list

Medicinal Chemistry, G.L. Patrick, OUP, Oxford, 2013
The Organic Chemistry of Drug Design and Drug Action, R.B. Silverman, Aacdemic Press, 1992.

Research element

e.g. essay, dissertation, individual or group research, research skills activity, etc.

Interdisciplinary

e.g. co taught with another department or with an industry perspective, bridges two or more disciplinary concepts, ideas, etc.

Subject specific skills

Written communication
Teamwork
Information literacy and research skills

Transferable skills

Written communication
Teamwork
Information literacy and research skills

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 12 sessions of 1 hour (8%)
Other activity 18 hours (12%)
Private study 120 hours (80%)
Total 150 hours
Private study description

60 hr student self-study for group project
60 hr student self-study for individual assignment

Other activity description

3 hr oral presentation session
15 hr student group meetings for group project

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.

Assessment group A1
Weighting Study time
Team-based assignment (12500 words) 40%
Individual Lecture Summary (3000 words) 40%
Group Project Oral Presentation 16%
Team Assignment - Group Management Report 4%
Feedback on assessment

Individual assignment, group project written report and oral presentation are double-marked by
two members of academic staff, written feedback within 20 days.

Courses

This module is Core for:

  • Year 3 of UCHA-3 Undergraduate Chemistry 3 Year Variants
  • UCHA-4M Undergraduate Master of Chemistry Variants
    • Year 3 of F126 MChem Chemistry with Med Chem (with Prof Exp)
    • Year 3 of F125 MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry