Core Module Information
Module title: Drug Design and Chemotherapy

SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: BMS11105
Module leader: Usama Ammar
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Life Sciences
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

The module is focussed on the chemical principles of drug design of new chemotherapeutic agents in relation to the identification and validation of emerging biological molecular targets. The emphasis is on major classes of life-threatening disease: notably, cancer; viral and resistant bacterial infection. You will learn to evaluate existing and new biological targets and contemporary drug design methods (chemical and biological) to combat these disease states. You will develop the skills required to conduct searching laboratory experiments and to produce written scientific reports to research publication standards. You will benefit from industry-based guest-lecturer input, in support of integrated lectures, tutorials, workshops, molecular modelling activities designed to develop your key skills and confidence necessary to work and progress in the field of drug research. Emphasis on: molecular targets in cancer: characterisation and structure of biological targets (genes; enzymes; receptors; nucleic acids). Design, synthesis and mechanism of action of inhibitors of telomerase, the G-quadruplex, DNA-topoisomerases, matrix metalloproteinases. Targeted therapies, drug delivery mechanisms, design of prodrugs; macromolecular prodrugs and nanoconjugates. Synthetic oligonucleotides, PNAs, DNA-and RNA-binding ligands: design and applications. Synthesis and development of non-nucleoside antiviral agents: HIV integrase inhibitors, protease inhibitors. Peptoids and peptide mimics. Mechanisms of intrinsic and acquired drug resistance and MDR. Contemporary drug design to combat resistant bacterial and protozoal infections. Laboratory work in selected drug synthesis, methods of purification and characterisation; solution and solid- phase combinatorial peptide methodology and biological (including enzyme) assays; molecular graphics.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically review and appraise the detailed chemistry and design of contemporary anticancer, antiviral and antibacterial agents.

LO2: Evaluate drug mechanisms of action; molecular biological targets and therapeutics.

LO3: Analyse and present the results of laboratory experiments to research publication standards and critically evaluate the data in the context of the prior and contemporary literature.

LO4: Critically evaluate the design of macromolecular and nanoparticulate prodrug delivery systems.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2023/4, Trimester 2, In Person, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Usama Ammar
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Lecture 22
Face To Face Tutorial 9
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 21
Face To Face Centrally Time Tabled Examination 3
Online Guided independent study 145
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Report 20 3 Week 10 , WORDS= 1000
Centrally Time Tabled Examination 80 1~2~4 Exam Period HOURS= 3
Component 1 subtotal: 20
Component 2 subtotal: 80
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
[BMS11105] Drug Design and Chemotherapy