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CHEM503 Medicinal Chemistry

Updated: 10 December 2012
Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Off Campus
Armidale Trimester 1 On Campus
Intensive School(s)
Start Finish Attendance Notes
21 April 2013 24 April 2013 Mandatory
Supervised Exam There is a UNE Supervised Examination held at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled.
Pre-requisites candidature in a postgraduate award
Co-requisites None
Restrictions CHEM303
Notes None
Combined Units CHEM303 - Medicinal Chemistry
Coordinator(s) Ben Greatrex (ben.greatrex@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

This unit deals with drugs used in medicine, their mode of action and modern methods used for their discovery and development. It provides a chemical understanding of the role of metals in enzymes, drugs and diagnostic agents. It also deals with the metabolism of endogenous and exogenous organic drugs, the role of metabolism in toxicity and the effect of metabolism on pharmacokinetics. This unit includes additional topics and greater depth of coverage of the material demanding a higher level of understanding in assessment tasks.
Prescribed Material
Mandatory 		Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

Chemistry and Medicines: An Introductory Text
ISBN: 9780854046454
Hanson, J.R., RSC 2006
Text refers to: Trimester 1 , On and Off Campus
Recommended Material
Optional 		Text(s):

Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library - purchase is optional

Metals in Medicine
ISBN: 9780470681978
Dabrowiak, J.C., Wiley 2009
Text refers to: Trimester 1 , On and Off Campus
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Assignments 30%
Assessment Notes
Four problem based assignments requiring short answers and/or calculations. It is mandatory to pass this component in order to pass the unit.
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1, 2, 3, 5 GA: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7
Practical Reports 30%
Assessment Notes
Eight practicals. Students must submit all practical reports and gain an overall pass in the practical component in order to pass this unit.
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-5 GA: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7
Final Examination 2 hrs 40%
Assessment Notes
It is mandatory to pass the final examination in order to pass this unit.
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-3, 5 GA: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. understand the properties and functions of selected biologically important molecules;
  2. apply the principles of inorganic chemistry to understanding the structure and function of metal containing drugs and enzymes;
  3. understand the behaviour of drugs in the treatment of disease as well as appreciate how new drugs are discovered and their properties optimised;
  4. extend skills in problem solving, particularly their use in chemical systems and extend and reinforce a range of practical skills through integrated and relevant laboratory experiments; and
  5. broaden the range of written communication skills through experience in laboratory work and assignments.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
Students will be assessed on their knowledge of the discipline through their assignments and their laboratory work. 		True True True
2 Communication Skills
Written communication skills will be developed through use of assignments requiring (in part) descriptive and explanatory responses. 		True True True
3 Global Perspectives
The unit content stresses the importance and impact of medicinal chemistry for well-being and illness of humankind as well as some epidemiological aspects specific to certain populations. 		True True
4 Information Literacy
Aspects of some assignments will deal with computer based applications and especially chemical information retrieval via the library and the internet. 		True True True
6 Problem Solving
Problem-solving skills will be developed and extended through use of assignments requiring (in part) complex reasoning and quantitative responses. 		True True True
7 Social Responsibility
Social and environmental aspects for the safe handling and disposal of chemicals is a part of the unit. 		True True True
8 Team Work
Some practical laboratory exercises will involve team work. 		True
   

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