Target Identification and Hit/Lead Discovery. 2 Credit Hours

Catalog description

This course provides students with an understanding of the overall process of drug discovery and development. It covers the principles of target identification and validation, the basic methods of drug development, the physical biochemistry of how drugs interact with their biological targets, the role of protein structures in drug-protein interactions, the application of medicinal chemistry in lead optimization, and the development of biologicals like antibodies, vaccines, and RNAs for therapeutics. Focused lectures on specific therapeutic areas will include anti-parasite drug development and drug development for cancer. Prerequisites for the course is at the discretion of the course directors, based on adequate undergraduate courses in chemistry, biochemistry and mathematics. Open for Cross Enrollment on Space Available Basis.