CH2MC2-Medicinal Chemistry 2 for Chemists

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr John McKendrick
Email: j.e.mckendrick@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The study of medicinal chemistry is the study of the development, testing and biology of organic molecules designed to treat disease. This module acts as a gateway, in that we develop concepts from Biology and Chemistry to show how important they are in the drug design an improvement process. Through study you will begin to appreciate the skill and knowledge that chemists in this field must master as part of this vitally important career.

Aims:
To build on the basic concepts of Organic and Physical chemistry to develop an understanding of the basic principles of medicinal chemistry.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Students should be able to:
(i) State and discuss the main pathways of primary metabolism.
(ii) Discuss the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs.
(iii) Understand the role of amino acids and non-amino acids in biochemical transformations.
(iv) Explain the function of some classes of enzymes in terms of the chemical reactions that are catalysed.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry

A study of the pathways for absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) of drugs paying particular attention to how this relates to their action at the appropriate cellular targets. Methods for studying and affecting a drug’s ADME will be examined, e.g. prodrugs, Log P etc.



Aspects of Mechanism in Biology 

A study of selected primary metabolic pathways of the cell with particular refe rence to correlation of enzymatic processes to organic chemical mechanisms. Understanding glucose metabolism will lead to an appreciation of how nature uses the principles of Organic and Physical chemistry in the catabolic and anabolic processes. The interrelationship of biochemical pathways, interdiction with drugs after the first committed step of a pathway and the problems and advantages of biochemical feedback. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Two one hour lectures per week (one per topic) with approximately two hours of workshop/seminars in the spring term on related material. The lecture hours in the Summer Term are for revision.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	16		2
Seminars		4
Guided independent study:	78
Total hours by term	94	4	2
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	80
Oral assessment and presentation	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:
1.5 hours

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One assessed seminar presentation on a topic of relevance to the course. The seminar presentation will count for 20% of the module mark. The assessment will be set during the Autumn Term and assessment will take place in the Spring Term.

Formative assessment methods:

Students will receive oral feedback on their performance in the workshops.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment will comprise of an examination worth 80% and an oral presentation worth 20%.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  There are no required textbooks. Recommended textbooks include: Patrick - An Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry and McMurray and Begley -  The Organic Chemistry of Biological Pathways.

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  Printing of notes using university printers is expensive. Lecture notes are available in electronic form on Blackboard and will cost <£10 to print out if desired. 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 30 June 2021