Compulsory for MSci and BSc FC17, FC1R, CF71, Optional: F100, F101, F103, F105. Students MUST take this module if they want to be considered for CHEM3022.

An introduction to the key molecular processes in cells: DNA replication including mutations and the molecular basis of evolution; Transcription (gene expression) including RNA processing and regulation of gene expression; Translation (protein synthesis) including structure/function of ribosomes; Protein folding including molecular chaperones, abnormal protein folding and human diseases; Intracellular compartments and protein sorting; Targeted protein degradation including ubiquitination and sumoylation. 2) Introduction to the basic concepts of Drug Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry including analysis of pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and QSAR data. 3) Cell cycle, programmed cell death and cancer including anti-cancer agents that target DNA biosynthetic enzymes, the DNA duplex and the cytoskeleton. 4) Microbiology; the anatomy of bacterial cells. A review of the basic chemistry of antimicrobials, these lectures will introduce the molecular basis of antimicrobial action (both antibiotics and non-antibiotics). Introduction to the concept of antimicrobial resistance and the strategies/mechanisms employed by bacteria to resist the action of antibiotics. 5) Viruses, viral diseases and anti-viral agents including case study on either the Human immunodeficiency virus or the influenza virus. Introduction to key concepts in drug metabolism, drug discovery and the use of biopharmaceutics and biologics such as antibodies as therapeutics.

1. Understand mechanisms of the universal functions behind the dogma of molecular biology. 2. Understand mechanisms of key molecular processes within cells. 3. Understand cancer its causes and current treatment strategies. 4. Understand the basic anatomy of bacterial cells and modes of action of the main families of antibiotics, non-antibiotic antimicrobial agents and anti-viral agents. 5. Understand the different biological mechanisms, both inherited and acquired, microorganisms have developed to resist the action of antibiotics. 6. Appreciate the key features of proteins, peptidoglycan and nucleotide polymers as drug targets 7. Understand and interpret the importance of key QSAR, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic data. 8. Understand the different viral replication cycles and the different strategies used to develop anti-viral agents 9. Understand the use of biologics (antibodies) as drug delivery and targeting vehicles.