Drug Discovery and Development
Credit points
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Prerequisites
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
This unit is an introduction to the processes involved in the discovery and development of pharmaceutical products. Through a series of case studies, students will investigate the often serendipitous discovery of biologically active products and their chemical manipulation to become modern pharmaceutical products. The role traditional remedies (Western, Asian and Indigenous, for example) have played in discovering new drugs will also be examined.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Analyse the historical and scientific context from which modern pharmaceutical products have been discovered and developed;
- Research and evaluate various literature relevant to drug discovery and development with initiative and judgement; and
- Critically review drug controversies and present evidence and reasoned argument.
Assessment
For Melbourne campuses
Assessment type: Assignment | Grade: 20%
Briefing report on pharmaceutical development for medical purposes (1,000 words)
Assessment type: Project | Grade: 40%
Report on drug discovery (2,000 words)
Assessment type: Presentation | Grade: 40%
Poster presentation on a topic drawn from workshop discussions (20 minutes)
Required reading
Reading materials will be listed in VU Collaborate.
As part of a course
This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.