Methods in Pharmaceutical Research

Undergraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The course consists of two parts:

Spectroscopy, 2 sp

Biochemical methodology, 1 sp

Spectroscopy:

This part entails spectroscopic techniques used in the analysis of organic compounds. Infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy will be discussed, while the main focus will be on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). Students will learn how to identify unknown compounds by using information from IR, UV, MS and NMR spectra.

Relevant pharmaceutical examples will be discussed.

Biochemical methodology:

The course includes the theory and practical aspects of some basic techniques in molecular biology and biochemistry. The main focus is on purification of plasmids, PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, transformation of bacteria, recombinant protein expression, purification of His-tagged proteins, SDS-PAGE and a modification of Western blotting.

Learning Outcomes

Spectroscopy

Explain/discuss the different spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV/vis, NMR and MS) and interpret spectroscopic data from IR, UV/vis, NMR and MS either by themselves of combinations of these in order to determine the structures of organic compounds.

Biochemical methodology

Master the basic knowledge behind the practical methods that are used in this course, be able to perform basic cloning techniques, PCR and to express recombinant protein in bacteria and to perform the SDS gel electrophoresis and Western / spot blot techniques. The student should be able to master basic molecular biological techniques in general and be able to carry out similar experiments

Semester of Instruction

Spring
Recommended Previous Knowledge

Spectroscopy: FARM103, FARM110, FARM130, FARM131, FARM250, FARM150, FARM260, MAT101

Biochemical methodology: FARM150

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
It is mandatory to be present and participate in the biochemical methodology part of the course. The biochemical methodology part must be passed in order to sit for the exam in Spectroscopy. Compulsory activity is valid for five semesters.
Forms of Assessment

Spectroscopy: Written exam (2.5 hours). The total time inlcude uploading of files.

Permitted examination support materials, The textbook (Williams and Fleming: Spectroscopic methods in organic chemistry 6th Edition.). It is not allowed to have notes in the textbook, which can be used on the exam. Underlining of text, figures and tables in the textbook are allowed.

Grading Scale

Grading scale A-F is used.

Department
Department of Clinical Science