NES2405 : Medicinal Chemistry
NES2405 : Medicinal Chemistry
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Celine Cano
- Lecturer: Dr Ian Hardcastle
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To equip students with knowledge and understanding of drug-receptor interactions, enzyme chemistry and the principles of drug design and drug action. To provide students with an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning the action of chosen case study drugs.
Outline Of Syllabus
Principles of Medicinal Chemistry and Enzyme Action
Principles of Medicinal Chemistry - Pharmacokinetics; Lipinski’s rule of five;
Pharmacodynamics; Drug-receptor Interactions
Enzymes - What are enzymes?; How do they work?; Mechanisms of Enzyme Catalysis;
Enzyme inhibition and co-enzyme catalysis
Physicochemical properties of drugs - Ionisation constants; Aqueous solubility;
Fick’s Law of diffusion; Lipophilicity; Partition and Distribution Coefficients
Isosterism and Bioisosterism in Drug Discovery
Case studies – Design of Small Molecule Enzyme Inhibitors
Drug Design
Drug Discovery and SARs
Lead optimisation
Mechanisms of Enzyme Inhibition
Case studies in Drug Discovery
Introduction to Structure-Based Drug Design using CCP4 Molecular Graphics (including
a computing workshop with hands on ligand-bound protein crystal structures)
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the end of the module a student will be able to:
• understand drug-receptor interactions and theories
• understand the principles of enzyme mechanism and knowledge of some specific examples
• be familiar with quantitative structure activity relationships
• understand how enzyme inhibitors work
Intended Skill Outcomes
At the end of the module a student will be able to:
• recognise specific drug types
• be able to use software for structure-based drug design
• suggest mechanisms for enzyme actions
• solve problems in aspects of medicinal chemistry
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Formative assessment coursework |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Exam revision |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | End of Semester summative assessment |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | PiP Lecture scheduled LTA, Module introduction |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 6 | 0:30 | 3:00 | Online quizzes |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 56:00 | 56:00 | Background reading and research |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Scheduled on-line contact time | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | PiP computer workshop (ChemDraw, Chimera), scheduled LTA, but reverting to online structured guided |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Scheduled on-line contact time | 16 | 1:00 | 16:00 | PiP Seminars scheduled LTA, but reverting to online structured guided learning if no PiP possible. |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Module content will be delivered using pre-recorded material and PiP seminars with Q+A, worked examples, case studies, and revision materials. PiP sessions will be interactive to ensure that students actively engage with the subject matter.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 100 | 100% Online exam (or 2 x 50% alternative assessments if no PiP exams due to social distancing) |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | Formative Coursework - Power point presentation of five slides. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The online assessment and one formative piece will test the student's knowledge and understanding of both the medicinal and the modelling lecture material.
The formative coursework is to produce a powerpoint presentation of 5 slides. Feedback will allow student to assess their understanding and make improvements for the remaining examination.
Study Abroad students to take their exam before the semester 1 exam period, in which case the format of the paper may differ from that shown in the MOF. Study Abroad students should contact the school to discuss this.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES2405's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- NES2405's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.
Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.