Medicinal Chemistry, 15 Credits

Contents

The course includes theoretical studies in the field of Medicinal Chemistry. This encompasses the interaction between low molecular-weight compounds and proteins, DNA and RNA and methods for identification, design, synthesis and evaluation of drug candidates. In addition, the course includes practical exercises in the field of Medicinal Chemistry. This includes theoretical and practical elements concerning methods for the identification, design, synthesis and evaluation of low molecular organic substances from the perspective of medicinal chemistry.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, students shall be able to:

-     describe the various stages involved in the development of a drug,
-     describe the "interaction between ligand and receptor" concept
-     identify and describe the connection between chemical structure and physical-chemical properties,
-     describe methods for medicinal chemistry, including combinatorial chemistry,
-     describe drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion,
-     describe the design of organic compounds, for example, statistical or structure-based design,
-     practically conduct synthesis of low molecular drug-relevant compounds of a simpler type, i.e., peptides,
-     practically conduct purification and characterisation of simpler drug-relevant compounds, for example, through chromatography and spectroscopy,
-     practically manage basic methods for evaluating compounds, for example, in protein or cell-based test systems,
-     in groups, plan and conduct a medicinal chemistry project,
-     independently acquire and critically assess biological and medicinal information from databases,
-     conduct comparative critical analyses of different data,
-     actively participate in discussions during seminars and group exercises,
-     present results verbally and in writing, and
-     communicate principles, problems and research results with specialists and non-specialists on issues within the scope of the content of the course.

Required Knowledge

Bioorganic Chemistry (15 credits, 5KE011) and Biochemistry (15 credits, 5KE020) or equivalent knowledge. The course cannot be combined with Theoretical Chemistry (7.5 credits 5KE057/58), Medicinal Chemistry (7.5 credits 5KE066) or Applied Medicinal Chemistry (7,5 credits 5KE061/62). Engelska A/5 and svenska are general entry requirements.

Form of instruction

The teaching takes the form of lectures, lessons, group exercises and a laboratory-based project.

Examination modes

The knowledge of the student is expressed through exercises and verbal and written presentations that are based on active participation. The theoretical parts of the course are tested through written examinations. The  laboratory-based project is presented both verbally and in writing. Grades are allocated for the course when all examinations have been completed. For written examinations, the following grades are awarded: Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with merit (4), Pass with distinction (5) or Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG). For the whole course, the following grades are awarded: Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with merit (4), Pass with distinction (5) or Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG). To pass the whole course, all examinations and obligatory tasks must have been passed. Those who pass an examination may not take the same examination again with the aim of achieving a higher grade.
A student who has taken two examinations for a course or a part of a course, without passing either examination, has the right to have another examiner appointed, if there are no specific reasons for not doing so (Chapter 6, Section 22, HEA). Requests for a different examiner are to be made to the Head of the Department of Chemistry.
Accreditation requests are always examined individually (see the University’s Rules and Regulations and the Accreditation Regulations).