FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
SCHOOL OF PHARMACY
COURSE SYLLABUS / STUDY GUIDE
PCMM3871
MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY II
B. Pharm IV
BY: PROF. MICHAEL KNOTT
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY AND PHYTOCHEMISTRY
SCHOOL OF PHARMACY
UNIVERSITY OF NAMIBIA
JANUARY 2023
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Table of content
Module facilitators
Module information
Module description
Learning outcomes
Methods of teaching and learning environment
Attendance policy
Plagiarism policy
Textbooks and references
Evaluation methods
Lecture schedule / Content: Medicinal Chemistry II
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Module Facilitators:
Prof. Michael Knott
Office phone: 061 2065054
E-mail: mknott@[Link]
Room number: School of Pharmacy
Office Hours: 09:00 – 16:00
Dr. Anthony Ishola
Office phone: 061 2065037
E-mail: aishola@[Link]
Room number: School of Pharmacy
Office Hours: 09:00 – 16:00
Mr. Daniel Mavu
Office phone: 061 2065051
E-mail: dmavu@[Link]
Room number: School of Pharmacy
Office Hours: 09:00 – 16:00
Dr. Klaudia Angula
Office phone: 061 2065075
E-mail: ktangula@[Link]
Room number: School of Pharmacy
Office Hours: 09:00 – 16:00
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Module information
Module title Medicinal Chemistry II
Module Code PCMM3871
NQF level 8
Contact hours 3 lecture hours + 3 hours of practical’s per week
Credits 16
Assessment 60% Continuous assessment
40% Examination (1 X 3 hours written paper)
Pre/Co-requisite PCMM3752
Lecture days and Class Wednesday (10:30-11:30) and Thursday (10:30-12:30)
hours
Lecture Venue School of Medicine, New Campus
Practical days and Class Monday (14:00-17:00)
hours
Progressive Examination TBC
dates*
Final Examination dates*: TBC
First Opportunity
Second Opportunity
Module description
An introduction to the design and discovery of new compounds that are suitable for use
as drugs was covered in medicinal chemistry I. Medicinal chemistry II in an extension of
this and covers not only the discovery or design process, but also nomenclature, the
synthesis of the drug, it’s structure activity relationships (SAR’s), physico-chemical
properties, methods of administration, mode of action, chemical reactions and side
effects of the drug molecules. In addition, this module also has a focus on
pharmaceutical biotechnology and radiopharmaceuticals.
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1.0 Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module a, student is expected to be able to:
• Demonstrate understanding of the basic concept of drug discovery, design and synthesis
• Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of SARs, physico-chemical properties,
various modes of action, chemical synthesis, nomenclature and side effects
• Explain various processes in pharmaceutical biotechnology
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of radiopharmaceuticals
2.0 Methods of Teaching and Learning Environment
In order to achieve the intended outcomes of a seven star pharmacist, various methods of
teaching will be adopted in this module. Such methods will include didactic lecturers,
practicums, and problem based tutorial sessions as well as self-directed learning will be
encouraged. Virtual media will also be used.
2.1 Didactic Lecture Sessions
All the lectures in this module will not be for more than 60 minutes in duration, ideally, 45 minutes
for lecturing and 15 minutes for question-answer sessions. The power point presentation is the
intellectual property of the lecturer and he/she has the right not to distribute it – we encourage
students to take notes. Pharmacy students are expected to behave professionally and
appropriately in lectures. Distracting classmates and/or faculty with conversation is
unprofessional and is not acceptable. All lectures remain compulsory for all B Pharm students –
it is only in the interests of the students to attend!
2.2 Problem Based Tutorials/ Case Studies
Before PBL is introduced, students will have a revision in this teaching method.
A number of sessions will be conducted using ‘real life’ simulated problems and case studies
through tutorials sessions organized in small groups. Students will resolve problems that address
issues covered in the lectures. The students will elect a chair person who will guide the group
members on a procedure to resolve the problem. A tutor will be available in each session to
facilitate learning and guide students.
These sessions will last not more than 60 minutes at locations that will be communicated. Such
case studies will enhance the development and application of key skills in drug discovery, design
and synthesis and team playing and multidisciplinary learning. Students are expected to review
case studies before the tutorial and come prepared to contribute. Attendance of small group
sessions is mandatory for this module. Student’s active participation will be assessed during these
tutorial sessions.
2.3 Practice laboratories (‘practicums’)
Pharmacy practice relates to all aspects of the 7-star pharmacist. This module will assist you to
develop skills, knowledge and decision-maker, communicator, community leader, manager,
researcher, and life-long learner. Students will be able to apply and integrate knowledge gained
through lectures into practice through practicums. Practicums will be introduced to acquaint
students with the steps and tenacity of medicinal Chemist in discovery, design synthesis and
testing of drugs.
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2.4 Self-directed learning
One of the attributes of a 7 star doctor or pharmacist trained at UNAM is being a lifelong learner.
The Medicinal Chemistry module will stimulate and open up a new world for pharmacist and
enhance self-learning through course work particularly for most aspects of the subject where time
and lectures are not adequate to cover important topics in great detail. Such self-directed learning
will be reflected in small group tutorials where students will be requested to individually respond
to questions. It is the student’s responsibility to conduct independent research on the topic.
Students will be randomly divided into small groups for ‘home’ study at the beginning of the
semester.
3.0 Attendance policy
Please refer to the University of Namibia attendance policy for the class. You must attend all
classes and practicals in order to be able to meet the course objectives. Arriving late in class of
practicals is disruptive to the learning environment for both students and lecturers.
4.0 Plagiarism policy
The Pharmacy profession is based on individual integrity. Personal responsibility and
professionalism are two key areas in the development of a pharmacist. By taking an oath as a
student pharmacist, it is assumed that you accepted a role at the School of Medicine community
with self-respect and duty. You will be requested to sign a form as acceptance to maintain
integrity during the Medicinal Chemistry module. All course work and examinations submitted by
the student are expected to be the student’s work.
5.0 Textbooks and references
The main reference text books for Medicinal Chemistry module will be:
1. Lemke, T.; Williams, D. Foye’s Principles of Medicinal Chemistry. 7th Edition, 2013
2. Patrick, G. An introduction to Medicinal Chemistry. 5th Edition
3. Beale, J.; Block, J. Organic Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry. 12th Edition, 2011
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6.0 Evaluation methods
The module will be assessed in two ways including continuous assessment and final
examinations. The final semester grade will be based on the total per cent as indicated by the
letter grades below.
Continuous Assessments (60%) Summative assessment (40%)
Course assignments ( x 3) 15% Final Examination (written) 100%
Written tests ( x 3 ) 60%
Practice labs ( x 10 ) 25%
6.1 Missed Examinations
In the event that you miss an examination such as with serious illness, you are advised to contact
both the Course Coordinator and the Chair of the Examinations Committee so that appropriate
preparations can be made. Any decisions to enter a candidate for a supplementary exam will be
at the discretion of the examinations committee and they will consider, for example, whether
notification was made before or after the examination. Unless it is impossible, written contact
should be made before the commencement of the exam providing proof of extenuating
circumstances (for example, a doctor’s certificate).
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Lecture schedule / Content: Medicinal Chemistry II
Week/Lecture Date Content Remarks
1/1 18/01/2023 Antibiotics – Prof Knott
Wednesday
10:30 -11:30
1/2 19/01/2023 Antibiotics – Prof Knott
Thursday
10:30 – 12:30
2/1 23/01/2023 Synthesis of diphenylhydantoin – Dr
Monday Angula
14:00 – 17:00
2/2 25/01/2023 Antibiotics – Prof Knott
Wednesday
10:30 -11:30
2/3 26/01/2023 Antibiotics – Prof Knott
Thursday
10:30 – 12:30
3/1 30/01/2023 Synthesis of diphenylhydantoin – Dr
Monday Angula
14:00 – 17:00
3/2 01/02/2023 Antibiotics – Prof Knott
Wednesday
10:30 -11:30
3/3 02/02/2023 Antibiotics – Prof Knott
Thursday
10:30 – 12:30
4/1 06/02/2023 Synthesis of diphenylhydantoin – Dr
Monday Angula
14:00 – 17:00
4/2 08/02/2023 Antibiotics – Prof Knott
Wednesday
10:30 -11:30
4/3 09/02/2023 Antibiotics – Prof Knott
Thursday
10:30 – 12:30
5/1 13/02/2023 Synthesis of diphenylhydantoin – Dr
Monday Angula
14:00 – 17:00
5/2 15/02/2023 Antibiotics – Prof Knott
Wednesday
10:30 -11:30
5/3 16/02/2023 Antibiotics – Prof Knott
Thursday
10:30 – 12:30
6/1 20/02/2023 Synthesis of diphenylhydantoin – Dr
Monday Angula
14:00 – 17:00
6/2 22/02/2023 Analgesic drugs – Prof Knott
Wednesday
10:30 -11:30
6/3 23/02/2023 Analgesic drugs – Prof Knott
Thursday
10:30 – 12:30
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7/1 27/02/2023 Isolation analysis of red pigment from
Monday paprika – Dr Angula
14:00 – 17:00
7/2 01/03/2023 Analgesic drugs – Prof Knott
Wednesday
10:30 -11:30
7/3 02/03/2023 Analgesic drugs – Prof Knott
Thursday
10:30 – 12:30
8/1 06/03/2023 Isolation analysis of red pigment from
Monday paprika – Dr Angula
14:00 – 17:00
8/2 08/03/2023 Hormonal systems – Prof Knott
Wednesday
10:30 -11:30
8/3 09/03/2023 Hormonal systems – Prof Knott
Thursday
10:30 – 12:30
9/1 13/03/2023 Determining the important
Monday components of common non-
14:00 – 17:00 prescription analgesics – Dr Angula
9/2 15/03/2023 Central Nervous system – Prof Knott
Wednesday
10:30 -11:30
9/3 16/03/2023 Central Nervous system – Prof Knott
Thursday
10:30 – 12:30
10/1 20/03/2023 Determining the important
Monday components of common non-
14:00 – 17:00 prescription analgesics – Dr Angula
10/2 22/03/2023 Central Nervous system – Prof Knott
Wednesday
10:30 -11:30
10/3 23/03/2023 Central Nervous system – Prof Knott
Thursday
10:30 – 12:30
11/1 27/03/2023 Determining the important
Monday components of common non-
14:00 – 17:00 prescription analgesics – Dr Angula
11/2 29/03/2023 Radiopharmaceuticals – Dr Ishola
Wednesday
10:30 -11:30
11/3 30/03/2023 Radiopharmaceuticals – Dr Ishola
Thursday
10:30 – 12:30
12/1 03/04/2023 Practical as per Dr Angula
Monday
14:00-17:00
12/2 05/04/2023 Radiopharmaceuticals – Dr Ishola
Wednesday
10:30 -11:30
12/3 06/04/2023 Radiopharmaceuticals – Dr Ishola
Thursday
10:30 – 12:30
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13/1 10/04/2023 FIRST SEMESTER BREAK
Monday
14:00-17:00
13/2 12/04/2023 FIRST SEMESTER BREAK
Wednesday
10:30 -11:30
13/3 13/04/2023 FIRST SEMESTER BREAK
Thursday
10:30 – 12:30
14/1 17/04/2023 Practical as per Dr Angula
Monday
14:00-17:00
14/2 19/04/2023 Radiopharmaceuticals – Dr Ishola
Wednesday
10:30 -11:30
14/3 20/04/2023 Radiopharmaceuticals – Dr Ishola
Thursday
10:30 – 12:30
15/1 24/04/2023 Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Monday
14:00 – 17:00
15/2 26/04/2023 Pharmaceutical Biotechnology – Mr
Wednesday Mavu
10:30 -11:30
15/3 27/04/2023 Pharmaceutical Biotechnology – Mr
Thursday Mavu
10:30 – 12:30
16/1 01/05/2023 PUBLIC HOLIDAY
Monday
14:00 – 17:00
16/2 03/05/2023 Pharmaceutical Biotechnology – Mr
Wednesday Mavu
10:30 -11:30
16/3 04/05/2023 PUBLIC HOLIDAY
Thursday
10:30 – 12:30
17/1 08/05/2023 Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Monday
14:00 – 17:00
17/2 10/05/2023 Pharmaceutical Biotechnology – Mr
Wednesday Mavu
10:30 -11:30
17/3 11/05/2023 Pharmaceutical Biotechnology – Mr
Thursday Mavu
10:30 – 12:30
17/4 12/05/2023 Lectures end 1st Semester (Senior
Students) (16 weeks)
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