BT5013: SMALL MOLECULE DRUG DISCOVERY (2020-2021)

Last modified: 05 Aug 2021 13:04

Course Overview

The course will focus
on small molecule drug discovery.
Receptor theory and cell communication and signalling will be revised to
facilitate understanding of the remainder of the course. The basis of the drug
discovery process will be described and the phases of drug development discussed. A range of targets for drug discovery will be
identified and how small molecule drug affect these will be described. Issues around drug regulation will be raised.

Course Details

Study Type	Postgraduate	Level	5
Term	First Term	Credit Points	15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus	Aberdeen	Sustained Study	No
Co-ordinators	Dr Wael Hussein

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

Any Postgraduate Programme

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

Course Description

This applied course will cover the latest developments in small molecule drug discovery and development. The course will progress logically through the process of identifying and characterising lead drug candidates to the point when they enter clinical trials. Much of the course will focus on the two main areas:
1) the latest screening protocols for lead identification from large compound libraries.
2) The inherent toxicity problems of synthetic, small molecule drugs. The second component of the course will cover in detail the steps taken to minimise any unwanted side effects in drugs used for therapy. Wherever possible the course will use real clinical examples to deliver its applied message effectively and clearly. The course will also include presentations from industry professionals.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers

Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

2x 25% Online Oral Exam

25% Individual Poster

25% Individual Presentation

Alternative Resit Arrangements for students taking course in Academic Year 2020/21

30 minute oral exam examining all ILOs. Two examiners would be present.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome
Conceptual	Understand	To demonstrate understanding of the different phases of drug discovery and the key processes run through each phase.
Procedural	Apply	To be able to identify druggable targets.
Procedural	Create	To be able to deduce and identify what should be considered in designing a new drug against a specific target.