James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2021

PC1103 - Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1

Subject Description

Pharmaceutical Chemistry is integral to the practice of pharmacy, providing knowledge of the chemistry relevant to the study of pharmaceutical drugs. Relevant basic principles of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, will be contextualised through application to the patient. Inorganic chemistry: Introduction to transition metals and the application to bio inorganics and drug molecules. Analytical chemistry: Introduction to analytical techniques. and the elucidation of chemical structure. Physical Chemistry: Reaction kinetics and mechanisms of reaction, physical pharmacy concepts including colligative properties, phase equilibria and chemical partitioning. Organic chemistry; A general introduction to functional groups, general features of organic reactions and relevant reaction mechanisms, including the spectroscopy applied to the elucidation of chemical structure. Concepts of medicinal chemistry will also be introduced.

Learning Outcomes

• Develop competence in appropriate laboratory techniques, especially those relevant to the determination of drug structure and activity
• Describe the inorganic concepts, which can be applied to drug molecules and the analytical techniques used to determine quality of drug products
• Describe the physical chemistry concepts which underpin the understanding of pharmaceutics and the dosage form e.g. reaction kinetics, phase equilibria and colligative properties
• Demonstrate an understanding of the basic organic chemistry concepts e.g. functional groups, chemical reactions and the mechanisms where by which they occur
• Apply these organic chemistry concepts to pharmaceutical drugs

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (65%) - Individual
• Written > Examination - In class - (15%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Practical assessment/practical skills demonstration - (20%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Assumed Knowledge:  As this is a level 1 subject in the BPharm(Hons)/MPharm pathway, students will be expected to have the standard entry requirements for the degree pathway.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  CH1002

Availabilities