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This module enhances your understanding of the structure and function of key macromolecules, including the biological relevance and their role in the development of new therapeutics. You will learn about the role of proteins, peptides, carbohydrates, nucleotides and lipids. You will be exposed to the basic chemistry and reactivity of the main “building blocks” of macromolecules and this will build on your learning from the small molecules module. The structure of these macromolecules with regards to their clinical implications, interaction with biological targets and stability will be discussed. You will also learn about their role in disease and treatment.
You will be provided with the skills for graphically representing these molecules using software routinely employed in drug discovery research during tutorials, demonstrations, and activities in PC labs. Tools for predicting secondary structure of the main macromolecules will be presented and demonstrated.
You will get hands on experience in the lab with activities specifically designed to explore the different types of molecules to investigate their properties and function.

LO1: understand the structure and biological function of the key macromolecules and their role in the development of new therapeutics.
LO2: identify the main organic building blocks by exploiting the reactivity of their functional group and develop an understanding of the chemistry of the macromolecules.
LO3: rationally appraise the therapeutic capabilities and limitations of biopharmaceuticals.
LO4: demonstrate awareness of the processes happening from the isolation of the biopharmaceutic API to its release on the market