Chemistry

Drug Discovery & Chemical Enterprise

Module code: F1031
Level 6
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Class, Workshop, Lecture
Assessment modes: Unseen examination, Coursework

Building on an understanding of chemical principles, you will explore the fundamental knowledge required to critically analyse the structure of potential drug molecules and use the skills developed to design new, improved medicines.

You’ll also look at key aspects of chemical enterprise, using selected examples such as:

• transferring technology from the laboratory
• start-ups and funding
• patents and patent law 
• the structures and aims of big pharmaceutical/chemical companies.

Module learning outcomes

• Describe and comment upon recent examples of chemical enterprise and how they can bring benefits to society and industries of all scales.
• Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the key physicochemical principles underpinning drug design, as well as primary biological processes from a chemical standpoint.
• Use conceptual understanding of the principles of drug discovery to critically evaluate the structures of molecules and predict issues for use as medicines.
• Apply principles of drug discovery to design new analogues with improved drug-like properties.