You need to activate javascript for this site.
Menu Conteúdo Rodapé
  1. Home
  2. Courses
  3. Pharmaceutical Sciences
  4. Drug Development and Synthesis

Drug Development and Synthesis

Code 13683
Year 2
Semester S2
ECTS Credits 6
Workload PL(30H)/T(30H)
Scientific area Ciências Farmacêuticas
Entry requirements To have thorough knowledge of General and Organic Chemistry and basic knowledge of Biology and Physiology.
Learning outcomes The Curricular Unit “Drug Development and Synthesis” aims to provide current knowledge on the molecular basis of drug discovery, development and synthesis, more specifically:
-to know the physicochemical and structural basis to the rational development of drugs;
-to know the current methods and strategies for leads discovery and development and for obtaining and interpreting structure-activity data;
-to understand the role of organic chemistry in drug development and preparation;
-to know the main semi-synthetic and synthetic approaches in the preparation of the most relevant drug classes.
Syllabus --Theoretical:
1. Basic concepts in pharmaceutical chemistry, drug classification and nomenclature
2. Structural and physicochemical characteristics most relevant in drug development and action
3. Drug discovery, design and development – lead discovery and its modifications, qualitative and quantitative structure-activity relationships and computational design.
4. Importance of organic synthesis in obtaining pharmacologically active molecules
5. Targeted- and diversity-oriented synthesis and high throughput methodologies
6. Introduction to retrossynthetic analysis, protecting groups and selectivity
7. Semi-synthetic and synthetic approaches in the preparation of the most relevant drug classes.
--Practical/Laboratory - problem solving and laboratory studies on:
1. Nomenclature and synthesis of drugs
2. Factors Affecting Drug Activity
3. Computer-Aided Drug Development
Main Bibliography 1. G. L. Patrick, An Introduction to Drug Synthesis, Oxford University Press, 2015;
2. R. B. Silverman, The Organic Chemistry of Drug Design and Drug Action, 2nd Ed., Elsevier Academic Press, 2004;
3. G. L. Patrick, An Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry, 6th Ed., Oxford University Press, 2017;
4. C. Avendaño, Introductión a la Química Farmacéutica, 2ª Ed., Mc.Graw-Hill, 2001;
5. T. Nogrady, D. F. Weaver, Medicinal Chemistry – A Molecular and Biochemical Approach, 3rd Ed., Oxford University Press, 2005;
6. A. Delgado, C. Minguillón, J. Joglar, Introductión a la Síntesis de Fármacos, Editorial Sintesis, 2002;
7. A. Delgado, C. Minguillón, J. Joglar, Introductión a la Química Terapéutica, 2ª Ed., Diaz de Santos, 2003;
8. C. Dickson, Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory Manual, CRC Press: Boca Raton, London, New York, Washington DC, 1999;
9. http://old.iupac.org/publications/cd/medicinal_chemistry/
Teaching Methodologies and Assessment Criteria Teaching will be conducted through theoretical (T) classes (seminars; participatory and interactive approach), and theoretical-practical (problem-based learning) and laboratory (PL) classes. Learning activity will be significantly student-centered.

Course Attendance:
- Attendance at theoretical classes is mandatory, with a maximum of 30% unjustified absences.
- Attendance at theoretical-practical and laboratory classes is mandatory, with only one absence (2 hours) tolerated, but all laboratory work must be completed (laboratory classes will be rescheduled in case of justified absence) and the complete laboratory notebook will be evaluated.
- It is mandatory to complete all theoretical (including attendance) and practical assessments, including the laboratory notebook and seminar.
- Minimum overall grade for exam access: 6 points
Language Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.
Last updated on: 2025-02-26

The cookies used in this website do not collect personal information that helps to identify you. By continuing you agree to the cookie policy.