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CHE-30058 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2022/23 Last Updated: 19 January 2023

CHE-30058 - Mechanisms of Drug Action
Coordinator: Tess Phillips Room: LJ1.46 Tel: +44 1782 7 33038
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None


Description for 2022/23

The module first follows the pathway of a drug substance through the body, looking at the key areas of pharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics. This is taught through lectures and problem classes and will be illustrated with topical case studies highlighting recent developments in the pharmaceutical industry.
This is followed by mini-symposia exploring a range of drug classes in which each student prepares and deliver an oral presentation looking in depth into the mechanism of action and pharmaceutical context of a chosen drug molecule.

Aims
To build on an understanding of the fundamental principles of medicinal chemistry and provide a deeper insight into the mode of action of medicines.
To emphasise that medicinal chemistry builds upon core topics in organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry.
To develop analytical, problem solving and organisational skills.
To develop skills in information retrieval and database / literature searching.
To develop communication skills.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/che-30058/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

compare and contrast different pathways by which a drug molecule can enter the body and the different dosage forms available for each route: 1,3
explain the mechanism of action of different classes of drugs and relate the activity and properties of drug molecules with their structure: 1,3
use appropriate database / literature searching tools to retrieve, compile and critically evaluate information: 3
3
present material compiled from the scientific literature in context and at an appropriate level through the use of slides and verbal communication: 1,3
rationalise the body¿s interaction with drug molecules through the application of pharmacokinetic concepts and mechanistic explanations of metabolism:

Study hours

Delivered content and interactive sessions: 12 hours
Mini-symposia: 12 hours
Coursework support sessions: 6 hours
Independent study and assessment prep: 120 hours


School Rules

Successful completion of CHE-20081 - Principles of Drug Design (or equivalent)

Description of Module Assessment

1: Case Study weighted 30%
Case Study Problems
Problem solving questions (equivalent to ~1500 words effort) assessing students ability to apply and synthesise ideas from the taught content to the design, evaluation and delivery of drug molecules.

2: Presentation weighted 40%
Drug Action Presentation
A 10-12 minute oral presentation looking in depth at the medicinal chemistry of an individually selected drug molecule. Students will be assessed on the quality of the presented information, delivery and their ability to answer questions on the topic.

3: Assignment weighted 30%
Top Trumps
A set of Top Trumps cards summarising key information on a range of drug molecules accompanied by a critical analysis of their properties (1500 words). Students will be assessed on the accuracy and quality of the prepared materials and the strength of evidence-based arguments made in their critical analysis.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 19 January 2023