Core Module Information
Module title: Analytical methods in drug development

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

Module code: BMS10112
Module leader: Giacomo Russo
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:

During the study of this module, you will be introduced to the basics of drug analysis and its main applications. You will consider the challenges associated with the preparation of biological samples for pharmaceutical analysis. You will gain understanding of an array of chemical separations, with an emphasis on gas and liquid chromatography, the main analytical techniques currently exploited in drug development. This will feed into the detection of chemicals and their characterization via spectrometric and spectroscopic techniques, including mass spectrometry, UV – visible spectroscopy, NMR etc. In parallel, you will develop skills in laboratory maths and statistics to determine whether scientific results are robust, allowing meaningful conclusions to be drawn. You will acquire the skills necessary to establish meaningful connections between the spectral data and the molecular features of chemical of pharmaceutical interest. This will enable you to collate a number of experimental pieces of information and formulate hypothesis on the molecular structures of chemicals of pharmaceutical interest.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Develop an understanding of the main analytical methods applied in drug development.

LO2: Establish connections between the molecular structure of unknown compounds and their spectral evidence.

LO3: Gain knowledge of the main techniques in sample preparation and pharmaceutical analysis.

LO4: Become familiar with the theory and practical applications of the main separation science techniques.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Giacomo Russo
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 Lectures will be in person. The slides used by the instructors will be uploaded on Moodle at least 5 days prior to the lecture taking place and the session will be recorded and made available on Moodle for learning consolidation. Articles or relevant reading materials will be made available on Moodle and will be used as a starting point for discussions in class.
Face To Face Tutorial 15 Tutorials will be in-person. These will tackle the interpretation of analytical spectra and chromatograms to deconvolute the information included thereby thus allowing molecular structure elucidation. The session may happen in small groups to foster student participation and engagement and to allow constructive discussions among the cohort.
Online Guided independent study 165 Each week reading materials and resources will be issued on Moodle (these will also be shared via the Module leganto list at the beginning of the module should you wish more time to engage with the materials). You are expected to read and reflect on the essential reading material which can be discussed during the seminar sessions. Resources to help you to read and take productive study notes created by the University's Academic Skills team can be accessed on the module moodle page.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Class Test 40 1~2~3 Week 10 HOURS= 1 hour This quiz, delivered on Moodle, includes a blend of multiple choice, calculation based and open-ended questions covering topics such as statistics, instrumental analysis, and separation science.
Report 60 2~4 Exam Period , WORDS= 2000 words You will be provided with experimental chromatograms, MS, NMR and IR spectra of molecules whose structure is unknown. You will be asked, through a set of questions, to identify the structure of the unknown and link this to the instrumental signal/read out in the spectra.
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
BMS10112 Analytical methods in drug development