CHEM5510 · Chemistry

Drug Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry

Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences

This course will provide an overview of the drug development process with an emphasis on the discovery and pre-clinical phases of developing a therapeutic agent. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts of drug design including the relationships between physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, and biological mechanism of action and the chemical structure of drug candidates. Case studies of important drugs will be invoked to facilitate discussion surrounding these topics. The chemical synthesis of these drugs will also be emphasized. The course will conclude with guest lectures from scientists at the forefront of the field. The foundational understanding of drug discovery and development gained in this course will be beneficial to those considering research and healthcare careers.