Universität Wien
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270047 VO From Synthesis to the Science and Strategy of Medicinal Chemistry (2026W)

4.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 27 - Chemie
We 14.10. 15:45-17:15 Kleiner Hörsaal 3 Chemie Boltzmanngasse 1 HP

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Details

Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

Lecture 1 - October 14
Lecture 2 - October 21
Lecture 3 - November 4
Lecture 4 - November 18
Lecture 5 - November 25
Lecture 6 - December 2
Exam: December 9

  • Wednesday 21.10. 15:45 - 17:15 Kleiner Hörsaal 3 Chemie Boltzmanngasse 1 HP
  • Wednesday 04.11. 15:45 - 17:15 Kleiner Hörsaal 3 Chemie Boltzmanngasse 1 HP
  • Wednesday 18.11. 15:45 - 17:15 Kleiner Hörsaal 3 Chemie Boltzmanngasse 1 HP
  • Wednesday 25.11. 15:45 - 17:15 Kleiner Hörsaal 3 Chemie Boltzmanngasse 1 HP
  • Wednesday 02.12. 15:45 - 17:15 Kleiner Hörsaal 3 Chemie Boltzmanngasse 1 HP
  • Wednesday 09.12. 15:45 - 17:15 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: Fr 04.09.2026 18:47