Drug Development, 7.5 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

Knowledge and comprehension
After completing the course, the student should be able to demonstrate basic knowledge of

• how drugs are developed and tested,
• how drugs can be administered to the body,
• 3D modeling of protein structures, and
• Entrepreneurship in drug development.

Proficiency and ability
The student must be able to demonstrate after completing the course

• proficiency in a basic molecular modeling software,
• ability to critically review and evaluate scientific information, and
• practical ability to communicate scientific information orally and in writing.

Values and attitude
The student must be able to demonstrate the ability to

• evaluate the drug discovery processes,
• assessing ethical aspects of drug development, and
• assess and evaluate the risks of using drugs.

Main content of the course

The course deals with existing and new methods used to develop drugs for treating diseases. The course describes how drugs can affect the course of the disease and how to develop, test and improve drugs. The course also gives an increased understanding of the innovation process and describes patenting procedures for drug development.

Teaching methods

Teaching is done in the form of lectures and practical exercises.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Theory, 5 credits (Code: A001)
Written Examination

Practical Exercises, 2.5 credits (Code: A002)
Active participation in laboratory work and group exercises. Written presentation of laboratory exercises and group exercises.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on examination methods

Absence at compulsory moment
In case of absence from the compulsory course, the examiner decides if the part can be taken again at another scheduled teaching session of the same kind. Otherwise, the student is referred to the next course. Exceptionally, the examiner may decide on remuneration information. In this case, these must be carried out before or in close connection with the end of the course.

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Theory
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Practical Exercises
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

To obtain a passing grade for the course as a whole, a minimum of grade E is required for all theoretical modules on the course as well as Pass (G) on the practical module including project work, attendance of all obligatory seminars. The final course grade is based on the result of the theoretical part.

Specific entry requirements

University studies in Biology and Chemistry equivalent to 60 Credits comprising at least 15 Credits in Cell Biology and 7.5 Credits in Physiology

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

The languages of instruction are Swedish and English. The course is given in English if there are exchange students registered.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Ng, Rick (Latest edition)
Drugs: From Discovery to Approval
Wiley Blackwell

Additions and Comments on the Reading List
Laboratory manuals and other scientific materials will be added.