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120.612.01
The Chemical Biology of Drugs that Shape Public Health

Location
East Baltimore
Term
3rd Term
Department
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
In-person
Class Time(s)
M, W, 1:30 - 2:50pm
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite

Undergraduate Biochemistry or equivalent.

Description
Drugs can either beneficially or detrimentally impact public health. Do you know how these molecules work at a chemical and molecular level?
Surveys how drugs that impact society function on a molecular level. Includes topics ranging from the helpful to the harmful, such as vitamins, antibiotics, cancer therapies, and opioids. Focuses on the biological and chemical properties of these drugs. Examines how drug-based interactions alter cellular and molecular behavior and touches on how these drugs impact society. Focuses primarily on the biochemical modes of drug action.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Analyze the physical interaction of drugs with its macromolecular target
  2. Describe the molecular factors that would influence the decision whether to use a drug clinically
  3. Rationalize how mutations would affect a drug: target interactions
  4. Explain the impact of the drug on public health
  5. Propose a molecular strategy to improve/design a drug
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 20% Written Assignment(s)
  • 80% Exam(s)
Enrollment Restriction
no undergraduates