Universität Wien
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270047 VO From Synthesis to the Science and Strategy of Medicinal Chemistry (2025W)

4.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 27 - Chemie
Moodle

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Details

Language: English

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

05.11., 15:45–17:15 (HS 3)
12.11., 15:45–17:15 (HS 3)
03.12., 15:45–17:15 (HS 3)
10.12., 15:45–17:15 (HS 3)
17.12., 15:45–17:15 (HS 3)
07.01., 15:45–17:15 (HS 3)
28.01., 15:45–17:15 (HS 3)

  • Wednesday 05.11. 15:45 - 17:15 Kleiner Hörsaal 3 Chemie Boltzmanngasse 1 HP
  • Wednesday 12.11. 15:45 - 17:15 Kleiner Hörsaal 3 Chemie Boltzmanngasse 1 HP
  • Wednesday 03.12. 15:45 - 17:15 Kleiner Hörsaal 3 Chemie Boltzmanngasse 1 HP
  • Wednesday 10.12. 15:45 - 17:15 Kleiner Hörsaal 3 Chemie Boltzmanngasse 1 HP
  • Wednesday 17.12. 15:45 - 17:15 Kleiner Hörsaal 3 Chemie Boltzmanngasse 1 HP
  • Wednesday 07.01. 15:45 - 17:15 Kleiner Hörsaal 3 Chemie Boltzmanngasse 1 HP
  • Wednesday 28.01. 15:45 - 17:45 Kleiner Hörsaal 3 Chemie Boltzmanngasse 1 HP

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The course aims to provide students with theoretical and practical medicinal chemistry background on the initial phase of small molecule drug discovery. At the completion of the course students will be able to critically analyze drug-target binding and design their own small molecule drug candidates. The course will cover the following topics:
1. Classes of small molecule drugs an introduction
2. Classes of drug targets an introduction
3. The thermodynamics of drug-target binding
4. The importance of water
5. Molecular interactions – up close & personal
6. Drug design strategies & medicinal chemistry rules of thumb
7. An introduction to finding hits in the vastness of chemical space
Further topics in medicinal chemistry that will not be covered in the course are (1) optimization of cellular and in vivo efficacy, (2) selectivity and toxicity, (3) drug distribution, metabolism and pharmacokinetics

Assessment and permitted materials

Students will be examined via a 2 hour exam at the completion of the course. Attendance of the lectures is highly recommended.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Participation in and submission of the final exam is mandatory

Examination topics

1. The thermodynamics of drug-target binding
2. The importance of water
3. Molecular interactions
4. Medicinal chemistry rules of thumb
5. Drug design strategies
6. Design of drug molecules

Reading list

Hunter, Christopher A. "Quantifying intermolecular interactions: guidelines for the molecular recognition toolbox." Angewandte Chemie International Edition 43.40 (2004): 5310-5324.
Bissantz, Caterina, Bernd Kuhn, and Martin Stahl. "A medicinal chemist’s guide to molecular interactions." Journal of medicinal chemistry 53.14 (2010): 5061-5084
McConnell, Darryl B. "Biotin’s lessons in drug design." Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 64.22 (2021): 16319-16327.

Association in the course directory

CH-SYN-02, CH-WAHL, CH-FE, BC-WAHL, Transferable Skills

Last modified: Mo 27.07.2026 09:27