SL12009: Fundamentals of pharmacology: the chemistry of drugs
[Page last updated: 30 November 2023]
| Academic Year: | 2023/24 |
| Owning Department/School: | Department of Life Sciences |
| Credits: | 15 [equivalent to 30 CATS credits] |
| Notional Study Hours: | 300 |
| Level: | Certificate (FHEQ level 4) |
| Period: |
- Academic Year
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| Assessment Summary: | CWSI 10%, EXCB 90% |
| Assessment Detail: |
- MCQ (EXCB 30%)
- Set exercises Individual (CWSI 10%)
- MCQ/SAQ (EXCB 60%)
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| Supplementary Assessment: |
- Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
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| Requisites: |
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| Learning Outcomes: |
By the end of the unit, the students will be able to:
- Discuss 3D shape of molecules; identify stereochemistry and assign stereochemical descriptions
- Explain bonding and present fundamental reaction mechanisms relevant to drugs/biological systems
- Recognise how physiochemical properties of a molecule influence its behaviour as a drug
- Apply spectroscopic data in chemical structure elucidation and problem-solving
- Describe the use of a range of analytical instruments to explore selected pharmaceutical applications and demonstrate data handling and interpretation skills.
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| Synopsis: | In this unit you will:
- Explore the fundamental chemical concepts underpinning pharmacology.
- Recognise how physiochemical properties of a molecule influence its behaviour as a drug.
- Develop data handling, interpretation and practical skills using a variety of analytical instruments.
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| Content: | The Chemistry of Drugs - the concepts
Orbital theory, electron configurations and hybridisation
Introduction to isotopes, radioactivity and radioactive decay
Bonding (covalent, ionic, hydrogen, intermolecular)
Electron density, inductive effects and mesomeric effects
Systematic nomenclature and drawing of small molecules and drugs
Functional groups and their conversions
Stereochemistry; recognition and assignment of chirality, relevance to drugs and receptors
Carbonyl group chemistry and biochemistry
Reactions of alkenes and aromatic groups
Introduction to oxidation/reduction reactions and applications in biological systems
Molecular (chemical) basis for drug degradation
Introduction to spectroscopy and overview of analytical techniques
Practical laboratory experience of UV-visible spectrum; fluorescence, infra-red spectrometry
Workshop exercises to develop interpretation skills of NMR, IR and Mass spectroscopy
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| Course availability: |
SL12009 is Compulsory on the following courses:
Department of Life Sciences
- USSL-AFB13 : BSc(Hons) Pharmacology (Year 1)
- USSL-AKB13 : BSc(Hons) Pharmacology with professional placement (Year 1)
- USSL-AKM13 : MPharmacol(Hons) Pharmacology with professional placement (Year 1)
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Notes: - This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2023/24 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2024/25 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2023/24.
- Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
- Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
- Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.
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