James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

PC1103 - Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Subject Description

This subject builds on and applies fundamental chemical knowledge from CH1001 to develop an understanding of pharmaceutical chemistry and qualitative/quantitative analytical techniques used in the pharmaceutical industry. The pharmaceutical chemistry section will discuss the relevance of functional groups and drug structure to drug absorption, action and degradation mechanisms. Methods in drug discovery and development will be introduced, including sources of lead compounds, patent busting and the use of structure-activity relationship studies (QSAR's). The analytical chemistry section will introduce qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques applicable to quality control in the pharmaceutical industry and pharmaceutical drug development. Separative chromatographic techniques such as thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) along with detection methods including mass spectrometry and UV spectroscopy will be discussed. Methods of structure elucidation of novel drugs and impurities in pharmaceutical production will be presented including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry and IR spectroscopy.

Learning Outcomes

• explain the concept of weakly acidic and basic drugs using the knowledge to predict the solubility, membrane passage and stability of these drug molecules
• describe functional group stereochemistry and spectroscopic techniques to elucidate drug structure including how structure relates to the activity of selected drug classes
• apply analytical techniques in a qualitative and quantitative manner to pharmaceutical development and pharmaceutical quality control
• develop competency in appropriate laboratory techniques, especially those relevant to the determination of drug structure and activity
• apply basic pharmaceutical chemistry concepts to assess drug action functional groups, drug target interactions, structure-activity relationships and drug development strategies

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (55%) - Individual
• Written > Examination - In class - (20%) - Individual
• Practicals and Participation - (25%) - 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) pathway, students will be expected to have the standard entry requirements for the degree pathway.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  CH1002

Availabilities