BL4216 Structure based Drug Discovery
(BL4216 online module handbook version 79)
image: N1 neuraminidase in complex with oseltamivir (from http://www.rcsb.org/pdb/explore/explore.do?structureId=2hu4)†
The process of developing a new drug from conception to the clinic takes on average 15 years and costs over $800M. There are now many examples of drugs developed based on a knowledge of the three dimensional structure of the target, and all major pharmaceutical companies have structural biology as part of their core drug discovery programmes. Many drugs currently used to combat AIDS were developed from a detailed knowledge of key HIV proteins, as were the two drugs used for influenza. Most major pharmaceutical companies are targeting kinases in the search for new cancer therapies, with international efforts focusing on producing structural details of huge numbers of human kinases.This module will examine case studies of drugs that have been developed with the aid of structure-based methods.
*Credits: 15*
Semester: 1†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Before taking this module you must pass BL2306 or pass BL3301 or pass BL3324*
Anti-requisite Modules:*
Post-requisite Modules:*
Additional Module Information:
Biology Teaching Office:
Level 2, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3602 or 3566
BL4216: Assessment
Written Exam = 40%, Practical Exam = 40%, Coursework = 20%*
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
Who to ask †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
Before contacting staff, students should check the content of the Biology Undergraduate Handbook, the module handbook and specific task instructions.
Biology Teaching Office:
We are happy to hear from you about teaching matters. The School of Biology Teaching Office is open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00. School of Biology staff will respond to your emails during these hours. Our team will provide a response to you within three working days.
Biology Teaching Office (Level 2), University of St Andrews, Biomolecular Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk
Tel: 01334 46 3602 or 3566
BL4216: Contributing Staff †
BL4216: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL4216 successfully should be able to:
- Recognise and describe the steps involved in developing a new drug and getting the new drug to the market
- Appreciate the importance of Intellectual Property (IP) and issues such as protecting inventions through patents
- Assess drug design strategies
- Identify a disease in need of drug development
- Select a drug design strategy for an identified disease and develop a marketing strategy for this novel drug
BL4216: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
- Database interogation
- Molecular viewer software
Transferable Skills
- Group discussion - participating
- Long group presentation on project idea (>15 min)
- Group pamphlet aimed at general audience
- Handout (for presentation or poster)
- Science journalism piece aimed at general audience
- Finding information on the web
- Finding literature
- Searching databases
- Sourcing figures/tables
- Peer assessment
- Organising group work
- Working in pairs/small groups
Policies †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology UG handbook  JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)Â
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology UG hand book JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/