Drug Discovery and Development

Unit code: NPU2104 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Online Real Time
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
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Overview

This unit is an introduction to the processes involved in the discovery and development of pharmaceutical products. Through a series of case studies, students will investigate the often serendipitous discovery of biologically active products and their chemical manipulation to become modern pharmaceutical products. The role traditional remedies (Western, Asian and Indigenous, for example) have played in discovering new drugs will also be examined.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Analyse the historical and scientific context from which modern pharmaceutical products have been discovered and developed;
  2. Research and evaluate various literature relevant to drug discovery and development with initiative and judgement; and
  3. Critically review drug controversies and present evidence and reasoned argument.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Assignment
|
Grade: 20%
Briefing report on pharmaceutical development for medical purposes (1,000 words)
Assessment type: Project
|
Grade: 40%
Report on drug discovery (2,000 words)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 40%
Poster presentation on a topic drawn from workshop discussions (20 minutes)

Required reading

Reading materials will be listed in VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.

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