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SL22024: Drug discovery and pharmacokinetics

[Page last updated: 09 August 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Life Sciences
Credits: 10 [equivalent to 20 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 200
Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Period:
Academic Year
Assessment Summary: CWOG 25%, CWPG 25%, EXCB 50%
Assessment Detail:
  • Oral presentation Group (CWOG 25%)
  • Project output Group (CWPG 25%)
  • Closed-book written examination (EXCB 50%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Before taking this module you must take SL12013
Learning Outcomes: By the end of this unit, students will be able to:
  • Describe the different stages of the drug discovery process and draw on a range of examples of agents at different stages of development.
  • Evaluate the importance of each stage and discuss the challenges which arise in the development of novel therapeutic agents.
  • Discuss current developments in drug discovery programmes within the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Explain and contrast the concepts of bioavailability, bioequivalence, generics, and orphan drugs.
  • Recognise the clinical relevance of a range of pharmacokinetic principles (multiple dose, rate-limiting processes, linear and non-linear pharmacokinetics, distribution kinetics, two compartment models, therapeutic monitoring).
  • Formulate sources of variability in drug pharmacokinetics: age, disease, food and drug interactions, natural and herbal products.
  • Define pharmacogenetics and their application to individualized medicine.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical and legal frameworks for using animals in medical research.
  • Apply analytical and presentation skills.



Synopsis: Demonstrate an appreciation of current developments and challenges in drug discovery. Explore pharmacokinetics in drug development and drug therapy. Demonstrate knowledge and appreciation of causes for variability that impact on the safety and efficacy of medicines. Develop an appreciation of the ethical frameworks associated with medical research, preclinical and clinical studies. You will have the opportunity to undertake Home Office Module training to enable you to hold a personal licence

Content: The unit comprises a series of lectures focusing on each stage of the drug discovery process through pre-clinical and clinical stages. Each will consider the techniques and approaches involved, models used and challenges and limitations of the process. Students will consider a range of pharmacokinetic principles (multiple dose, rate-limiting processes, linear and non-linear pharmacokinetics, distribution kinetics, two compartment models, therapeutic monitoring) and their impact on dosing regimes and clinical application. The importance of variability in pharmacogenetics and drug pharmacokinetics will be considered through the discussion of pharmacovigilance, generics and bioequivalence, orphan drugs and individualized medicine. Students will give a group presentation on the development of a given drug and produce a poster addressing an aspect of pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. The unit also contains accredited Home Office Module training.

Course availability:

SL22024 is Compulsory on the following courses:

Department of Life Sciences
  • USSL-AFB13 : BSc(Hons) Pharmacology (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKB13 : BSc(Hons) Pharmacology with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKM13 : MPharmacol(Hons) Pharmacology with professional placement (Year 2)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • 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.