Description
In this part of the MDD Minor, the students get familiar with the research that is ongoing at the department of Medicinal Chemistry. Students can choose out of 8-10 research projects in synthetic chemistry, computational methods or molecular biology/pharmacology, the aim being to gain more insight into receptor pharmacology. 2-3 students take part in research under the supervision of a PhD student or Postdoctoral researcher. Synthesis projects focus on the design and synthesis of new ligands, thus synthesis, purification and characterization by 1H NMR and mass spectrometry are the main activities. Computational projects focus on bio- and chem-informatics of receptors, and biological projects offer the possibility to perform cell-culture, isolation of cell membranes and binding assays of new ligands. Furthermore, each student has to give 2 presentations about his practical work and results. As a conclusion an article-style report has to be written.
Course Objectives
Understanding the stakes of medicinal chemistry:
Collaboration between chemistry, biology and informatics
Through own project, but also insight into other projects
Practical experience of “real” research
Scientific reporting:Presentation
Article-style report
Coordinator
Dhr. D. van der Es, MSc
Mode of instruction
Practical course (internship-style)
Assessment method
Practical part
Dedication, motivation, enthusiasm
Accuracy, tidiness
Lab journal
Presentations
Report
Final grade = Practical 60%, Presentation 20%, Report 20%
Admission requirements & Registration
This course is mandatory for and restricted to students who do the Minor ‘Modern Drug Discovery’ (MDD). The same admission criteria apply to this course as for the entire Minor MDD.