Run by School of Medical and Health Sciences

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Dr Rachel Hallett

Students successfully completing this third year module should have developed a conceptual understanding of the preclinical and clinical development of drugs including antibiotics, plant-derived drugs, anti-viral drugs, kinase inhibitors, novel compounds and antibodies. They should also acquire an understanding of how drugs interact with the body and how information can be retrieved from biopharmaceutical data bases.

The module is organised around 4 topics:

Topic 1: Drug Development & Pharmacokinetics

Topic 2: Antivirals & antibiotics

Topic 3: Kinase inhibitors and plant-derived drugs

Topic 4: Therapeutic antibodies and the immune system as drug

Drug Development teaches students about (i) drug-body interactions (pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics), (ii) the preclinical and (iii) the clinical development of drugs.

The module uses case studies to explain how drugs are developed from bench to bedside. Examples are selected from a broad range of drugs including antibiotics, plant-derived products, kinase inhibitors and the immune system.

The content of the module is updated annually to incorporate novel developments.

good

Category B (60%-69%):

Knowledge of key areas & principles. The main areas are understood with some minor omissions. Limited evidence of background study. Answers are focused on question, but also with some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structure. Arguments presented but lack sometimes coherence. No original interpretation & ideas. Only major links between topics are described. Answers are based on lecture material. Evidence of problem solving & time management skills. Some weaknesses in presentation and accuracy.

threshold

Category D (40%-49%):

Knowledge is limited to key areas & principles with gaps. No evidence of background reading. Answers are poorly focused with some irrelevant material and/or repetition. No original interpretation and ideas. Limited problem solving skills, poor time management. Many weaknesses in presentation and accuracy.

C- to C+

Category C (50%-59%):

Knowledge is limited to key areas & principles with gaps. No evidence of background reading. Answers are largely correct but are based on statements of facts without additional explanation and context. No original interpretation and ideas. Limited problem solving skills, poor time management. Many weaknesses in presentation and accuracy.

excellent

Category A (70%-100%):

Comprehensive knowledge & detailed understanding with clear evidence of background study. Highly focused answer and well structured and well supported by diagrams & tables. Logically presented and defended arguments. No factual errors. Original interpretation and novel links between topics are developed. Excellent problem solving & time management skills. Very good presentation and accuracy.

To obtain marks in the A+ and A* range, clear evidence of background reading has to be present. Top answers based on the lecture material return low A marks.

1. Communicate effectively to an educated lay audience, using the recent development of a drug as the subject of an article.

2. Develop an effective approach to exam revision by preparing for a final exam consisting of 2 essays (exam training is provided).

3. Demonstrate an advanced insight into how drugs are developed (pre- & clinical stages).

4. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of how drugs interact with the body (pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics).

Type	Name	Description	Weight
COURSEWORK	New Scientist Drug Report	Students write a report in the style of a New Scientist article, describing the development and pharmacological characteristics of a drug in therapeutic use.	50.00
EXAM	Essay examination	End of semester 1 exam. Two hour written exam. Students answer 2 essay questions from a choice of 4. Please note, for 2020/21, this exam will be run online.	50.00

		Hours
Private study	Time to research and prepare the Drug Report and to carry out revision and additional directed reading. Engagement with feedback sessions.	178
Lecture	8 x 2 hour lectures 1 x 2 hour student led session - pharmaceutical company meeting simulation. Please note, for 2020/21, a blended learning style of delivery will be used. Students unable to attend Bangor University campus will be able to follow all aspects of the teaching online. On campus teaching may be integrated, subject to Covid-19 related restrictions.	18
Tutorial	2 x 2 hour tutorials. Review of the key points & concepts. Exam guidance and small group peer feedback on draft drug reports. Please note, for 2020/21, a blended learning style of delivery will be used. Students unable to attend Bangor University campus will be able to follow all aspects of the teaching online. On campus teaching may be integrated, subject to Covid-19 related restrictions.	4

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
• Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
• Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
• Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
• Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
• Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
• Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
• Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
• Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
• Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
• Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

Resource implications for students

None

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/mse-3020.html

Compulsory in courses:

• C511: BSc Biology with Biotechnology year 3 (BSC/BIOT)
• C510: MBiol Biology with Biotechnology year 3 (MBIOL/BIOT)