Medicinal Chemistry: Drug Discovery Fundamentals
Explore the molecular basis of drug discovery and the process of developing safe, effective medications.
Explore the molecular basis of drug discovery and the process of developing safe, effective medications.
This course provides a comprehensive overview of medicinal chemistry and the drug discovery process. Students will learn how chemists modify molecular structures to design safe and effective drugs. The curriculum covers the history of drug discovery, the modern drug approval process, and key concepts in pharmacology. Topics include receptor and enzyme targeting, pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, and techniques for identifying and optimizing potential drug molecules. Through a collaboration between DavidsonX and the Novartis Institutes of BioMedical Research, the course offers insights into real-world drug development practices. Participants will gain practical knowledge in measuring enzyme and receptor activity, modeling drug half-life, predicting and altering molecular metabolism, and approaches for discovering biologically active molecules. By the end of the course, students will understand the complex process of transforming a molecule into a safe, effective pharmaceutical product.
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What you'll learn
Understand the drug discovery process and modern approval procedures
Learn to measure the activity of enzymes and receptors in drug development
Master methods for modeling a drug's half-life and predicting its behavior in the body
Explore techniques for predicting and altering the metabolism of potential drug molecules
Discover approaches for identifying molecules with desired biological activity
Learn strategies for optimizing lead compounds into safe and effective drugs
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
PreRecorded video
Graded assignments, exams
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Limited Access access
Shareable certificate
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There are 7 modules in this course
The course is structured over seven weeks, covering various aspects of drug discovery and development. Week 1 introduces the history of medicine and the modern drug approval process. Week 2 focuses on drug targets, including protein structure, enzymes, and receptors. Week 3 delves into pharmacokinetics, exploring drug transport and compartment modeling. Week 4 covers drug metabolism, including types of metabolic reactions and genetic effects. Week 5 examines molecular binding, structure, and diversity in drug discovery. Week 6 explores lead discovery techniques, including drug screening and natural product leads. The final week concentrates on lead optimization strategies, such as functional group replacements and bioisosteres. Throughout the course, students engage with practical examples and case studies, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the drug discovery process from initial concept to final product.
Pre-Regulatory Medicine and the Drug Approval Process
Module 1
Drug Targets
Module 2
Pharmacokinetics
Module 3
Metabolism
Module 4
Binding, Structure, and Diversity
Module 5
Lead Discovery
Module 6
Lead Optimization
Module 7
Fee Structure
Instructor
7 Courses
Medicinal Chemistry Expert and Educator at Davidson College
Dr. Erland Stevens is a distinguished faculty member in the Chemistry department at Davidson College, bringing a wealth of experience in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery to his role. After earning his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in 1997, specializing in nitrogen heterocycles under Will Pearson, Stevens pursued postdoctoral studies at The Scripps Research Institute with K. Barry Sharpless. Joining Davidson College in 1998, he has since become a cornerstone of the chemistry program, regularly teaching medicinal chemistry to junior and senior undergraduates. Stevens' expertise extends beyond academia, as evidenced by his involvement in the continuing education program at GlaxoSmithKline's Research Triangle Park site in 2006 and 2007. His contributions to the field include authoring the textbook "Medicinal Chemistry: The Modern Drug Discovery Process," published by Pearson Education, which has likely become a valuable resource for students and professionals in the field. Stevens' research focuses on the synthesis and activity of antiviral nucleoside analogues, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to advancing pharmaceutical science. His career exemplifies the integration of academic research, industry relevance, and dedicated teaching in the field of medicinal chemistry.
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Frequently asked questions
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