This module introduces the idea that chemistry is a central and underpinning science in pharmacy, describing how aspects of organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry are essential to a full understanding of the science of a drug. The module outlines the structure, bonding and chemical reactivity of various important classes of organic molecules, ranging from simpler examples of hydrocarbons or those containing a single functional group, to some of the important biological molecules such as carbohydrates, nucleic acids and proteins. It also examines the chemistry of some inorganic compounds, particularly the complexes of transition metal ions that have important applications in medicine. The importance of the physical and chemical properties of molecules in determining the activity of a drug, including an introduction to structure/activity relationships, is discussed. You are also introduced to the essentials of spectroscopy in the analysis of drugs. Thus the module introduces you to a range of core principles that underpin the actions, absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of drugs in the body, as well as in vitro aspects of stability, pharmaceutical analysis and molecular manipulation.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Two concurrent series of lectures (24 each, focussing respectively on aspects of organic chemistry and aspects of physical chemistry) will be used to deliver the core material and to guide students in further study. These will be supported by workshops. The workshops will supplement and illustrate the current lecture material, in addition to providing the students with an opportunity to clarify any aspects of the topics being taught. The workshops will also be used to develop the students' skills in solving relevant numerical problems and tackling exam style problems. The workshops will also provide opportunities for student to get feedback from staff on their progress. The practical sessions will complement the material presented in lectures (and developed in workshops). It will provide guidance and experience of following written experimental procedures and help students to consolidate their practical skills and the subsequent reporting and analysis of practical results.
Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
---|---|---|
Scheduled learning and teaching | 48 one-hour lectures 24 one-hour workshops 16 two-hour of practical sessions | 104 |
Guided independent study | Recommended reading Formative assessment Summative assessment tasks Exam revision | 196 |
Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 |
Practical performance and reporting skills will be formatively assessed by evaluation of the quality of samples and data obtained in the laboratory using short report forms. Further formative assessment in the form of workshop problems and MCQ tests will be used to allow students to gauge their comprehension of the taught material and the level of their skills development. These will provide the students with regular feedback during the year.
In summative assessment, students will have a portfolio of 4 short practical reports (each worth 2.5%) to complete following some of the practicals which will complement the formative work done within the laboratory practicals. In addition to providing students with feedback on their performance and progress to date, both formative and summative practical reports should ensure that students engage with these learning sessions which as well as reinforce learning develop vital practical skills and competences. Feedback will be provided which should develop both their scientific knowledge and their ability to analyse laboratory data and write scientific reports. There is also a portfolio of three pieces of scientific writing, each worth 10% of the module. There are two short pieces of scientific writing to develop students' critical appraisal and analysis skills and build upon their report writing skills. Feedback will be provided after both pieces and this, along with the feedback and experience from the short laboratory reports will feed forward into their full laboratory report. The summatively assessed assignment will be designed to prepare students for exam-type questions, as will the formative workshop problems and MCQ tests. The 3-hour, end-of-module exam will require students to answer a mixture of both MCQ and longer questions with written answers.
Level 4 MPharm students are required to pass a synoptic OSCE style assessment and a synoptic calculations test before they can progress to Level 5. These are to assure that even at this Level the student is demonstrating the appropriate skills, knowledge, understanding and attributes to become a future pharmacist. Some of the learning, in particular calculations, in this module feeds forward into these synoptic assessments.
Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
---|---|
1) Describe the shape and stereochemistry of the hydrocarbons, monofunctional aliphatic molecules and more complex molecules of biological importance such as the carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins and nucleic acids and understand the reactions and associated mechanisms of these. | Formative assessment opportunities will be provided via problems set in workshops and MCQ tests. Summative assessment: Section of the examination paper Scientific writing assignment |
2) Explain how ligands may complex and chelate to metal ions and be able to describe the potential importance of these bioinorganic compounds as inorganic drugs. | Formative assessment opportunities will be provided via problems set in workshops and MCQ tests. Summative assessment : Section of the examination paper |
3) Recognise and describe zero-, first- and second-order kinetics, perform elementary calculations of rate constants and appreciate the role of enzymes in catalysis. | Formative assessment opportunities will be provided via problems set in workshops and MCQ tests. Summative assessment: End of module examination Scientific writing assignment |
4) Predict the outcomes of reactions and the positions of equilibrium in them from a knowledge of thermodynamic data and the laws of thermodynamics governing their behaviour. | Formative assessment opportunities will be provided via problems set in workshops and MCQ tests Summative assessment: End of module examination Practical report |
5) Interpret simple spectroscopic data, for example 1H nmr spectra (in terms of chemical shifts, integration traces and spin-spin coupling patterns), 13C nmr spectra (in terms of chemical shifts) and mass spectra (in terms of the molecular ions and simple fragmentation patterns). | Formative assessment opportunities will be provided via problems set in workshops, MCQ tests and the practical reports. Summative assessment: End of module examination Practical report |
6) Demonstrate appropriate level 4 key skills in written communication, numeracy, laboratory practical work, data collection, analysis and reporting. | Practical work will be assessed formatively using short laboratory forms and by the quality of data and samples produced. Summative assessment: Practical reports |
Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Written exam | End of module exam (3 hour) | 60% |
Coursework | Portfolio of scientific writing activities (3 x 10%) | 30% |
Coursework | Portfolio of short practical reports (4 x 2.5%) | 10% |
Total (to equal 100%) | 100% |
It is a requirement that the elements of assessment are passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Chemistry: C. E. Housecroft & E. C. Constable, 4th edition, Prentice Hall, 2010.
Organic Chemistry: Fessenden R & Fessenden J, 6th edition, Brooks Cole, 2003
Basic Inorganic Chemistry, F A Cotton, G Wilkinson, & P L Gaus, 3rd edition, Wiley, 1995
The Elements of Physical Chemistry, P W Atkins, 2nd edition, Oxford, 1992
General, Organic and Biochemistry, F A Bettelheim, W H Brown & J March, 7th edition, Brooks Cole, 2003
Medicinal Natural Products, Dewick P M, John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 1997
Spectrometric Identification of Organic Compounds, R M Silverstein, G C Bassler and T C Morrill, J Wiley, 1991