MMB8006 : Drug Discovery and Development
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Ute Jungwirth
- Lecturer: Dr Simon Wilkinson, Dr Matthew Leach, Dr Ruben Thanacoody, Dr Christina Elliott, Professor Ruth Plummer, Dr Ian Hardcastle
- Visiting Lecturer: Dr Adam Potts
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
To develop a cohort of learners who have a detailed and practical understanding of the drug discovery and development process and the necessary actions needed to take a basic science concept and translate it into a first in man study of a potential drug. To situate the learning within UK regulatory and the research governance framework.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module covers the following topics, delivered through a series of lectures and formative assessments delivered through e-learning, supported by weekly interactive face-to-face seminars.
Pharmacokinetics (Drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination)
Pharmacodynamics (Mechanisms of drug action)
Target identification and target validation
Screening and hits
Molecular biology underpinning drug discovery
Optimising molecules
Pre-clinical studies
Toxicology
Clinical Trial Authorisation / First-in-man studies
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 79:30 | 79:30 | Preparation of in-course assessment |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Present in person (PIP): Presentations (parallel session depending on student numbers) |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 12 | 8:00 | 96:00 | E-learning sessions, to be completed in specified weeks preceding scheduled seminars |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Present in person (PIP) Drug Discovery problem based small group work seminars |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 1 | 0:30 | 0:30 | Present in person (PIP): tutorial, revision, feedback |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
This module is taught by a flipped classroom approach in conjunction with the Pharmaceutical Industry.
Core theoretical content will be provided by e-learning via Canvas and will provide a framework on which to construct further learning. Weekly interactive seminars will involve collaborative, problem based activities and tasks that will encourage students to activate and build on the previous week’s learning and facilitate deeper learning through social interaction - this key module feature is to allow learners to develop practical knowledge, skills and attitudes that can be applied in practice and future careers. Seminars also provide an opportunity to develop other skills including interpersonal and oral communication, collaboration and information literacy.
Private study is used for self-directed learning including further reading, preparation for the seminars, undertaking a piece of written coursework and preparing for examinations. This will allow the learners to develop skills in locating and appraising appropriate literature.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 1 | M | 50 | Presentation and Q&A (15 min max including questions) in the area of drug discovery stage such as target identification, target validation |
| Report | 1 | M | 50 | Written report in the format of a drug discovery/translational science grant proposal (e.g. based on simplified confidence in concept or catalyst application) 1500 words |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | Short written outline in the format of an "expression of interest/pre-proposal" (max 750 words) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The written reports will test achievement of the stated intended knowledge and skills outcomes and ability to apply these skills to a specific case study. The oral presentation will test their ability to present and defend a therapeutic strategy.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MMB8006's Timetable