2022/23 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

CHEM3013 Foundations of Drug Discovery

15 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Prof Bruce Turnbull
Email: w.b.turnbull@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2022/23

Pre-requisite qualifications

None

Module replaces

None

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The module is designed to provide students with educational resources in specific areas of the subject (organic chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology and physiology) which students with diverse backgrounds may have not encountered on their own undergraduate programme. The topics chosen are intended to provide background for core modules on the MSc Drug Discovery and Development programme. Students will choose three topics. For each topic, online and/or written learning resources are provided and students complete coursework (written or online) for which feedback will be provided.

Objectives

- To enable students to understand how the multidisciplinary nature of drug discovery and development is underpinned by basic chemical, molecular, and biological sciences.
- To provide a diverse intake of students with educational resources in specific subject areas relevant to the MSc Drug Discovery and Development, which are appropriate to level 3 of an undergraduate programme but which may not have been encountered on their own particular undergraduate programme (e.g. introductory organic chemistry; intermediate organic chemistry; fundamentals of biochemistry; recombinant DNA technology; pharmacology; and human physiology).

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an integrated understanding of how all the module’s topic areas underpin modern drug discovery and development, as evidenced by the ability to compile an annotated bibliography of illustrative applications of the course material drawn from the scientific literature. Module topic areas include: organic/medicinal chemistry; fundamentals of biochemistry and bio-molecular structure; recombinant DNA technology; pharmacology (pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics); and human systems physiology.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of three particular topic units (units to be chosen following consultation with the programme leader in order to fill gaps missing from each student’s previous experience), as evidenced by their ability to apply their knowledge in this area to the successful completion of deductive problems.

Syllabus

Students will choose three topics from a list which may include: introductory organic chemistry; intermediate organic chemistry; fundamentals of biochemistry; recombinant DNA technology; pharmacology; and human physiology. The syllabus from each topic will include a selection of material which is taught in undergraduate programmes in Leeds and will be assessed at level 3. Material will be delivered through online recordings supported by live tutorial workshops to allow students with different backgrounds to learn in a flexible way. This approach to teaching also accommodates the possibility that relatively low numbers of students may take some of the options.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
On-line Learning	18	1.00	18.00
Workshop	12	1.00	12.00
Seminar	3	1.00	3.00
Independent online learning hours			45.00
Private study hours			72.00
Total Contact hours			33.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

For each topic, online and/or written learning resources are provided and students complete coursework (written or online) for which feedback will be provided. All of the work is completed independently although tutors may be contacted if students encounter specific difficulties. Resources are provided via the VLE, which may include lecture notes, lecture/desktop capture, references to journal articles / book chapters.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Example problems with worked solutions will be provided.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Problem-based assignment 1	20.00
Assignment	Problem-based assignment 2	20.00
Assignment	Problem-based assignment 3	20.00
Written Work	Annotated bibliography	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Portfolio of work will include: 1. Annotated bibliography 40%. Using a bibliography of 10 papers, students will highlight examples of how organic/medicinal chemistry, structural biology recombinant DNA technology, pharmacology; and human physiology underpin real examples of drug discovery and development. 2. 3 x problem-based exercises/assignments 60% (3 x 20%). Understanding of each topic unit will be assessed using combinations of MCQs, SAQs, data analysis exercises. etc., as appropriate to the particular topic area.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 07/07/2022 11:10:17

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