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  3. Biological and Medicinal Chemistry

Biological and Medicinal Chemistry (CHEM90040)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 6.25Not available in 2026

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Overview

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This subject will explore modern drug design principles, as well as the molecular basis of therapeutic activity and methods of synthesis of various drugs. Case studies will be used to highlight the discovery and development of important drug classes.

Intended learning outcomes

Students completing this subject should be able to:

  • understand the basic process of drug design and development
  • discuss the role of the chemical sciences in drug discovery
  • illustrate their knowledge of enzyme mechanism for medicinally-important biological enzymes
  • apply critical thought to the understanding of organic chemistry in drug development

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students will have:

  • advanced problem-solving and critical thinking skills
  • an ability to evaluate the professional literature
  • an understanding of the changing knowledge base
  • a capacity to apply concepts developed in one area to a different context
  • the ability to use conceptual models to rationalize experimental observations

Last updated: 6 November 2025