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BT5013: SMALL MOLECULE DRUG DISCOVERY (2023-2024)

Last modified: 23 Jul 2024 10:44


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 Houssen

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?

No

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

Oral Presentation: Group

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks 17 Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Feedback is given mainly by peers.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ProceduralApplyIdentify druggable targets.
ProceduralCreateDeduce and identify what should be considered in designing a new drug against a specific target.
ReflectionEvaluateEvaluate academic work, create assessment and provide constructive feedback.

Exam - Multiple Choice Questions

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks 18 Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualUnderstandDemonstrate understanding of the different phases of drug discovery and the key processes run through each phase.

Design and solve a crossword puzzle

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 10
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Students will be asked to provide meaningful clues for the puzzle from their teaching material for their classmates to complete with the aim that students engage more with the course and take an active role in their own assessment. Clues will be submitted each week to ensure that students are studying regularly. The course coordinator will use the clues to make crossword puzzle for the students to solve at home. The puzzles will be marked against model answer by peers in the class. The whole grade will be based on the submission or no submission of clues after each lecture. Submission of clues on time means that the student must have read the relevant lectures and understood the information. Students will be deducted a mark for failing to submit clues from any one lecture.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ReflectionEvaluateEvaluate academic work, create assessment and provide constructive feedback.

Exam - Multiple Choice Questions

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks 13 Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualUnderstandDemonstrate understanding of the different phases of drug discovery and the key processes run through each phase.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ReflectionEvaluateEvaluate academic work, create assessment and provide constructive feedback.
ProceduralCreateDeduce and identify what should be considered in designing a new drug against a specific target.
ProceduralApplyIdentify druggable targets.
ConceptualUnderstandDemonstrate understanding of the different phases of drug discovery and the key processes run through each phase.

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