Course Syllabus

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Medicinal Chemistry: Transforming Molecules into Medicines

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This is a draft syllabus 

Semester & Location:

Spring 2027 - DIS Copenhagen
Type & Credits:

Elective Course - 3 credits
Major Disciplines:

Biomedicine / Biotechnology, Chemistry / Biochemistry
Prerequisites:

One year each of biology and chemistry at university level (including at least one semester of Organic Chemistry).
Faculty Member:

Amy Dounay (visiting faculty)

(current students please use the canvas inbox to contact)
Program contact:

Science and Health Department

shsupport@dis.dk
Program Director: Susana Dietrich
Time & Place:

TBD

 

Faculty

 

 

 

 

 

Amy Dounay

Associate Professor, Associate Chair, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Colorado College

 
Course Description

This course introduces the principles and practice of medicinal chemistry. Students will explore how new small molecule drugs are designed and how their pharmacological, metabolic, and toxicological properties are optimized. The course provides an overview of the drug discovery, development, and approval process, supported by case studies of successful and failed drug candidates. Through in-depth analysis of primary literature and case studies, students will examine how emerging technologies drive modern drug discovery. 

 

Expected Learning Outcomes

 After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Propose strategies to optimize the pharmacological, metabolic, and toxicological properties of drug leads and candidates.
  • Evaluate and explain the biological rationale for targeting specific enzymes or receptors in disease.
  • Apply principles of biochemistry, molecular biology, and organic chemistry to interpret and critique recent primary medicinal chemistry literature.
  • Critically assess how pharmaceutical research and development is represented in the press and popular media.
  • Analyze how drug discovery and development practices have benefited or marginalized particular identity groups.
  • Deliver a professional-quality presentation on medicinal chemistry advances underlying a recently approved drug.

The following topics will be covered in this course:

Unit 1: Introduction and Foundational Topics

  • Drug Discovery Overview
  • Organic Chemistry: Fundamentals for Drug Design
  • Biochemistry: Fundamentals for Drug Design
  • Pharmacology: Basics on Receptors and Enzymes as Drug Targets

Unit 2: Medicinal Chemistry Strategies and Tactics

  • Drug Design Metrics: Ligand Efficiency and Lipophilic Efficiency
  • Lead Identification: High-Throughput Screening (HTS)
  • Lead Optimization: Structure-Activity Relationships (SAR)
  • Intro to ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion)
  • Optimization of Drug Metabolism and Safety
  • Drug-Drug Interactions (DDI)
  • Structure-Based Drug Design
  • Case Study: Boceprevir

Unit 3: New Directions, Challenges, and Opportunities in Medicinal Chemistry

  • Intellectual Property for Pharmaceuticals
  • Green Chemistry in Drug Discovery and Production
  • Drug Safety, Clinical Trials, and 21st Century approaches
  • New Breakthroughs: Small Molecule GLP1 agonists for Diabetes and Obesity

 

Classroom learning environment and expectations

This course is designed around active, student-centered learning rather than traditional lectures. Class time will primarily involve interactive activities, group work, and discussions aimed at maximizing understanding and application of key concepts. To make the most of this approach, students are expected to come to class prepared and ready to actively engage with both the material and their peers.

Description of Assignments, Testing and Grading

Evaluation 

To be eligible for a passing grade in this class all of the assigned work must be completed.

The factors influencing the final grade and their weights are tentative and will be updated before registration opens.

Class attendance

7.5%

Class participation

7.5%

Assignment 1

20%

Test 1

15%

Test 2

20%

Semester project

Written project

20%

Oral presentation

10%

 Class participation covers the following areas:

  1. Attendance and level of preparation
  2. Contribution to class discussions and field studies

Class participation is an important part of this course and to receive full credit students should be present at all the scheduled classes and actively participate.

 

Field Studies

This course will be accompanied by field studies. Field studies are typically a half-day excursion.

Two field studies will take place during the semester.

 

Required Readings

  • Textbook: Patrick, G. L. An Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry, 7th edition, Oxford University Press, 2023.
  • Additional primary literature, review articles, and supplemental readings will be posted on Canvas.

 

Policies

Laptop policy

Use of laptop computers in class is limited and only allowed for taking notes and ad hoc research within the class discussions and exercises. Cell phones and other electronic devices should be turned off and stored away.

AI, such as ChatGTP, can only be used under defined circumstances in the classroom and not for home assignments or online exams.

 

Academic Regulations  

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on: 

 DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due