BPS1021 Medicinal chemistry I: Structure
Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
BPS1021 Medicinal chemistry I: Structure is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, offered in 2023 in Semester 1 at Parkville. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 2 units, leading on to 3 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2023
- Semester 1
- Parkville
- Assessment
- Exam 40%
- and 5 other tasks
This is the 2023 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before BPS1021
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After BPS1021
2 units list BPS1021 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Prohibition: PSC1021
Overview
This unit introduces students to the principles of molecular structure that determine the chemical properties and mechanism of action of therapeutic agents. After examining how the rules of chemical bonding and molecular shape derive from the electronic structure of atoms, the unit will explore how these rules lead to the complex architecture of organic chemistry and to patterns of molecular reactivity. This will involve a discussion of the following topics:
- Hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes, alkynes)
- Haloalkanes
- Chirality
- Alcohols, ethers and thiols
- Aromatic compounds (benzene and its derivatives)
Analytical methods (spectrophotometry, NMR and IR spectroscopy) to identify molecules and their structural features will be introduced in theory and practice. In laboratory classes, students will learn how to harness molecular reactivity for the preparation of medicinal compounds using common organic chemical techniques.
Offerings in 2023
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Parkville | On campus |
Assessment
- Workshop assessable questionsWorkshopThreshold hurdle10%
- Laboratory ClassesReportThreshold hurdle25%
- Mid-Semester TestIn class testThreshold hurdle10%
- End-Semester TestThreshold hurdle10%
- Active learning in interactive lecturesParticipationThreshold hurdle5%
- Final AssessmentExamThreshold hurdle40%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Apply the key concepts in chemical structure and bonding, including functional groups, to rationalising the shape, properties and reactions of molecules;
- 2
Determine the identity and molecular structure of small molecules using spectroscopic, chromatographic and other experimental data.
- 3
Safely and competently perform a basic practical investigation using standard laboratory techniques.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops18 hours
- Laboratories18 hours
- Assessments2 hours
- Applied sessions12 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachOnline learning
- Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
- Twelve 1-hour online preparation modules (Discovery)
- Twenty-four 1-hour lectures (online modules)
- Twelve 1-hour Q&A sessions
- Six 3-hour laboratories
- Six 3-hour workshops
- Two hours of scheduled assessments
Learning resources
Required resources
Brown WH and Poon T, 2016 Introduction to Organic Chemistry, 6th edition (latest) or 5th edition, John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, NJ.
Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Medicinal Chemistry I: Structure laboratory manual.
Recommended resources
Molecular Model Set - e.g. Cochrane's of Oxford.
Lee FS, 2013 Student Solutions Manual to accompany 'Introduction to Organic Chemistry' by William Brown and Thomas Poon, 5th edition, John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, NJ.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Roland Chung
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Roland Chung
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for BPS1021?
BPS1021 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after BPS1021?
BPS1021 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including BPS2021 and CHE4171. Those lead on to 3 units in all.
When is BPS1021 offered?
In 2023, BPS1021 runs in Semester 1 at Parkville.
Does BPS1021 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 5 other tasks.