Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design

If you are interested in human and animal health, how biological systems work at the molecular level and are passionate about how you can apply your science skills and knowledge in health related areas, then this is the course for you. In this course we will introduce you to the basic concepts of medicinal chemistry. Starting with an overview of medicinal chemistry from disease to practical real-world treatment applications, the course will then focus on four of the early stages of the drug development process; molecular basis for disease, target identification, lead development, and in-vitro inhibitor testing techniques. Self-directed learning topics will reinforce the concepts presented and allow you to extend your understanding into the later stages of the drug development process. Specialist guest seminars will also introduce you to some of these later stage considerations around animal testing, toxicology, clinical trials, regulatory requirements and environmental considerations. The four core topics covered by formal teaching in this course are: - Molecular mechanisms of disease - Drug target identification and validation - Development of lead compounds and drug candidates - In-vitro drug/inhibitor testing techniques