This module will begin with by considering the various routes for the discovery of potential new drug candidates. It will then move on to consider the key role played by organic chemistry, including structure and bonding within organic molecules, paying particular reference to their 3D shapes and the critical importance of stereochemistry, both in drugs and in nature, and the notion of the 3-point interaction between molecules, e.g. a drug and receptor. Classes of synthetic reactions (substitution, elimination, addition) will be discussed and these explained through the use of reaction mechanisms. These ideas will be developed further through more complex synthetic methodologies, including stereoselective synthesis. The synthesis of key examples of drugs and natural products will be used to illustrate the scope of organic synthesis in pharmaceutical science.

A PORTFOLIO weighted at 50%, Examination 50% (1 hour)

50% Individual laboratory Portfolio (learning outcome 5).

50% Assessment via examination will utilise a combination of short and longer answer questions (learning outcomes 1-4) FINAL


Formative Assessment:

Directed pre-laboratory exercises within blackboard will need to be completed prior to practical sessions, and discussions in the practical sessions will be utilised to provide formative feedback. Students will also be able to submit laboratory report(s) for formative feedback for the report writing.

THESE LEARNING STRATEGIES WILL OCCUPY YOUR TIME:
A series of 12 x 2 hour lectures / seminars will be used to present and discuss the core theory material.
Practical work (6 x 3 hour sessions) will be used to develop students techniques in organic synthesis
The remaining time will be used to undertake pre-laboratory exercises (6 hour), compile laboratory note books (12 hours) and carry out independent study (90 hours) relating to the module.

AND REFER TO THESE TEXTS, TITLE, AUTHOR, PAGES:
Organic Chemistry (5th ed.), Maitland Jones and Steven Flemming, WW Norton , 2014 ISBN 0393937135
An Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry (5th ed.), G. L. Patrick, Oxford, 2013 ISBN 0199697396

None.

None.

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of elements of the drug discovery process that lead to the identification of new drug candidates
KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING

2. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the three dimensional structures of organic molecules, paying particular reference to their stereochemistry
KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING

3. Understand and explain reactions in organic chemistry that result in the synthesis of new molecules and how the choice of reaction pathway will determine the synthetic outcome
LEARNING

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the methodologies undertaken that lead to the laboratory synthesis of selected drugs and/or natural products
APPLICATION

5. Use a range of established methods to undertake laboratory synthesis, purification and characterisation of a range of organic compounds
ANALYSIS