James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2021

PC2203 - Pharmaceutical Chemistry 2

Subject Description

Building on concepts covered in PC1103, this subject introduces new topics in the area of pharmaceutical chemistry. There is a focus on the application of the chemistry to both the dosage form and the patient, highlighting conceptualisation of the chemistry, showing integration with pharmacy practice. Inorganic / physical and analytical chemistry:Acids and bases / buffers, the properties of solids and their characterisation and analytical techniques - chromatography and ultraviolet spectrophotometry. Organic Medicinal Chemistry: general principles including functional groups (electron donating/withdrawing) stereochemistry in relation to drug activity. Included will be the principles of structure activity relationships with application to selected drug classes. Elucidation of chemical structure will follow on from PC1103 to include the practical techniques such as Infrared and Mass Spectrometry and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in determining the identity of drug molecules.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of basic organic synthesis to prepare model pharmaceuticals and demonstrate competence their analysis in a practical setting
• Describe the properties and characterisation of the solid state
• Understand the concept of weakly acidic and basic drugs using the knowledge to predict the solubility and stability of these drug molecules
• Describe and apply the spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques used in the quality control of drugs
• Describe functional group stereochemistry and the spectroscopic techniques used to elucidate drug structure  including how this structure relates to the activity of selected drug classes

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (60%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (20%) - 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 core level 2 subject in the BPharm(Hons)/MPharm pathway, students will be expected to have completed CH1001 and PC1103.

Availabilities