PC2001:03
Molecular Basis of Therapeutics 2
| Townsville | HECS Band 2 |
36 hours lectures, 6 hours tutorials, 24 hours practicals. Semester 2.
Available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Pharmacy.
Staff: Assoc. Professor A Nimmo, Assoc. Professor B Bowden, Assoc. Professor G Meehan, Dr A-M Babey, Dr J Hermans, Assoc. Professor D Yellowlees.
This subject provides an introduction to the disciplines of pharmacology and medicinal chemistry. It addresses the nature of chemical communication in the body, including the diversity of chemical messengers, their biosynthesis and release. The main targets for drug action, that is receptors, ion channels, enzymes and carrier molecules are examined, together with the way in which chemical agents are able to alter the function of these protein molecules. The subject also focuses on the principles of selective toxicity and the development of antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and cancer chemotherapy agents.
Learning Objectives:
- the nature of chemical communication within the body, including the biosynthesis and release of chemical messengers;
- how functional proteins, that is receptors, ion channels, enzymes and carrier molecules, represent a major target for the action of pharmaceutical agents;
- how drug treatments may be aimed at specific targets, increasing the efficacy of treatment and reducing side effects;
- the principles of selective toxicity and the action of antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and cancer chemotherapy agents.
Assessment by a three-hour end-of-semester examination (70%); laboratory work (30%).