Outline

Overview

This unit will explore the early phases of the drug discovery process from identification of a biological target molecule (enzyme or receptor) to identification of lead molecules and how chemical synthesis and biological screening is applied to develop lead molecules into drugs with desired molecular properties. Topics include drug discovery, protein structure and function, protein structure determination, drug synthesis, spectroscopic analysis, functional groups, molecular properties, molecular modelling, structure based drug design, drug screening. Students will also gain experience in a variety of experimental techniques related to drug design. In addition, students will develop skills including critical thinking, the use of information technology and report writing.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	PHAR5713
Academic unit	Pharmacy
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	6 credit points of Biochemistry, 12 credit points of Chemistry, 12 credit points of Pharmacology, 12 credit points of Physiology.
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Thomas Balle, thomas.balle@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	William Church, bret.church@sydney.edu.au
	David Hibbs, david.hibbs@sydney.edu.au
	Rebecca Roubin, rebecca.roubin@sydney.edu.au
	Vivian Liao, vivian.liao@sydney.edu.au
	Jane Hanrahan, jane.hanrahan@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Nathan Absalom, nathan.absalom@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam	Final exam	60%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	SBDD report 1	5%	Week 03	200 words
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Online training modules MCQ	0%	Week 06	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	SBDD report 2	15%	Week 11	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Drug synthesis report and presentation	20%	Week 12	10 pages, 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Online training modules: This is an online quiz. The quiz may be attempted as many times as necessary, however a mark of 25/30 must be obtained.
SBDD report 1: Students will work through a introductory toolbox exercise to acquire knowledge of three dimensional protein structures, drug receptor interactions, protein flexibility and basic molecular modelling tasks. Following on from that, students will create and validate a homology model of a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Validation will be based on assessment of protein backbone geometries and successful performance in ligand docking.
SBDD report 2: Students will use molecular modelling software to explore binding and drug receptor interactions of a number of drugs known to bind to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Subsequently they will perform high throughput virtual screening to select a “drug-like” molecule that wil subsequently be optimised using structure based drug design techniques. The session will be terminated with a “drug design competition” where students in groups will compete against each other to design the “best novel drug”.
Drug synthesis report and presentation: Students will be required to design and synthesise a tripeptide compound. This lead compound will be characterised by analytical methods and it’s activity as an inhibitor of the enzyme chymotrypsin will be determined. Students will are expected to undertake library research on chymotrypsin inhibitors and peptide synthesis. Students will work in pairs and data will be combined allowing a structure activity profile to be determined. Results will be presented orally and as formal report.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to students who demonstrate the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the units material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the units material and can solve routine problems and/ or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory adequately referencing the original source of the work.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Lecture 1	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Lecture 2	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Lecture 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 4	Lecture (1 hr)
	SBDD1 WS	Computer laboratory (4 hr)
Week 03	Lecture 5	Lecture (1 hr)
	SDL Module 1	Independent study (2 hr)
	Tutorial Week 3	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Lecture 6	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Lecture 7	Lecture (1 hr)
	SDL Module 2	Independent study (2 hr)
	Lab 1	Science laboratory (2 hr)
	Lecture 8	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Lecture 9	Lecture (1 hr)
	Tutorial Week 5	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Lecture 10	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Lecture 11	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 12	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lab 2	Science laboratory (4 hr)
Week 07	Lecture 13	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	SBDD2 WS (week 7 or 8)	Computer laboratory (4 hr)
Week 08	Lecture 14	Lecture (1 hr)
	SDL Module 3	Independent study (2 hr)
	Tutorial Week 8	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Lecture 15	Lecture (1 hr)
	SDL Module 4	Independent study (2 hr)
Week 09	Lecture 16	Lecture (1 hr)
	Tutorial Week 9	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Lecture 17	Lecture (1 hr)
	SBDD3 WS	Computer laboratory (4 hr)
Week 10	Lecture 18	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Lab 3	Science laboratory (4 hr)
Week 11	Lecture 19	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Lecture 20	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lab oral presentation	Presentation (3 hr)
	Lecture 21	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Lecture 22	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend a minimum of 85% of compulsory activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Head of School or coordinator. The Head of School or coordinator most concerned may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 90%.

Compulsory activities are all labs, workshops, tutorials, presentations and SBDD computer labs.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

G.L.Patrick (2013) An Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry, 5th Ed.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate a working understanding of fundamental concepts and techniques of chemistry necessary for understanding drug analysis, delivery, drug action and therapeutics, and diagnostics
LO2. demonstrate an understanding of the mechanisms of action and the properties drugs display as biologically active molecules in living systems
LO3. identify sources of drugs, the way they are discovered, purified, characterised and analysed, and their physico-chemical properties
LO4. apply appropriate numeracy skills to the solution of pharmacy problems
LO5. engage in continuous reflection and take responsibility for personal and professional development
LO6. demonstrate appropriate attitudes and values in personal and professional dealings and business practice
LO7. demonstrate the ability to learn independently and take responsibility for your learning
LO8. demonstrate skills in time management, goal and priority setting, and self-evaluation
LO9. demonstrate a working understanding of fundamental concepts and techniques of pharmacology necessary for understanding drug action and analysis

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

We have responded to student feedback to implement improvements in this unit.

Additional information

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PHAR5713: Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Semester 1, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect