Aims

To introduce the principles of toxicology and drug and toxin metabolism; to equip students with a knowledge and understanding of the mechanism of toxicity of a range of chemicals encountered in the environment and workplace.

To introduce the basic concepts of the aetiology of cancer and pathogenic disease; to impart an understanding of the host-pathogen relationship, and the concepts of selective toxicity and resistance; to equip students with an understanding of the basic principles of chemotherapy of cancer and infectious disease; to provide an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning the action of anticancer and anti-infective drugs.

Outline Of Syllabus

Principles and Selected Topics
Dr C Bleasdale

Introductory Workshop
Principles of Toxicology
Oxidative Stress
Marine Toxins
Forensic Toxicology

Metabolism and Selected Topics
Professor BT Golding

Introductory Workshop
Drug Metabolism: Principles
Drug Metabolism: Case Studies
Carcinogenesis
Industrial Toxicants

Basic Principles of Enzymology
Dr C Cano

Overview of the role of amino acid side-chains, metal ions and coenzymes in catalysis
Characteristics of enzymes: stability, substrate specificity, stereospecificity, catalytic groups, factors affecting catalysis, enzyme kinetics
Model systems for enzymes (probing proximity effects, solvation, strain), acid-base and nucleophilic catalysis
Overview of selected enzyme mechanisms including those with no cofactor/metal (e.g. glutathione transferases)
Redox cofactors
Small molecule activation by non-metallic cofactors
Radical enzymes

Cancer Chemotherapy
Dr C Cano

Introduction to cancer
DNA reactive drugs
Antimetabolites
DNA Topoisomerase inhibitors
Mitotic poisons
DNA Repair Enzymes
Antiendocrine drugs
Current approaches to cancer chemotherapy
New thearapies: Targetting receptor tyrosine kinase signalling
Kinase inhibitors case studies

Chemotherapy of Infectious Diseases
Professor M Waring

Introduction and historical overview
Principles of antimicrobial chemotherapy
Antibacterial agents – Penicillin and related β-lactam
Antibacterial agents – Glycopeptides, quinolones, and oxazolidinones
Antifungal agents – Polyenes and azoles
Antifungal agents – Azoles and other antifungals
Metronidazole
Malaria and its treatment
Antiviral chemotherapy
Acyclovir and maraviroc

Laboratory - Dr Z McMillan

Experiment 1. The Hantzsch Pyridine Synthesis
Experiment 2. Resolution of Racemic-Alanine
Experiment 3. Synthesis of the Pheromones 4-Methyl-3-heptanol and
4-Methyl-3-heptanone
Experiment 4. A Study of Cholestan-3,5,6-triol and Some of its Acetates
Experiment 5. The Baker-Venkataraman Synthesis of Flavones
Experiment 6. Reduction of Ethyl 3-oxobutanoate using Baker’s Yeast

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Students acquire an understanding of the subject through attendance and participation in lectures. An understanding of the topics is reinforced by problem solving, and critical background reading of the scientific literature.

In practical classes competencies in practical procedures, observation, record-keeping and report writing, will be taught and learnt.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The examinations will assess the student's knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of the subject. The coursework will assess information literacy in the context of chemical toxicology and written presentation skills.

The laboratory component practical involves the assessment of a diverse selection of skills learnt in about 4 experiments per student, spread over the major areas of medicinal chemistry.

Study Abroad students may request 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.