Bioassays in Drug Discovery

Code:

QF13012

Acronym:

BEDF

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
CNAEF	Pharmaceutical Sciences

Instance: 2021/2022 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory
Course/CS Responsible:	MSc in Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MQF	21	Official Curriculum	1	-	3	28	81

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

 

The main objectives of this UC is to give to the students the skills to understand the principles of evaluation of biological/pharmacological activities of new or chemically substances and the importance of this area in the process of drug discovery and development.

Learning outcomes and competences

At the end of the CU, students must have a broad and integrated understanding of the  principles of evaluation of biological/pharmacological activities of new or chemically substances and the importance of this area in the process of drug discovery and development.. The CU also aims to promote and develop critical thinking, teamwork and autonomy. At the end of the CU, students should be able to easily communicate their ideas, collaborate and work in team and to be able to solve problems using the scientific and investigational method.

Working method

Presencial

Program

 

 

I. Theoretical

1. Introduction. Types of bioassays.

2. Bioassays with enzymes, human tissues and yeasts expressing mammalian proteins.

3. Methods and applications of bioassays for the activities:

- antitumor

- antioxidant

- anticholinesterase

- antithrombotic

4. Case studies

II. Experimental

Laboratorial experiments concerning the screening with enzymes, human tissues and yeasts expressing mammalian proteins.

Mandatory literature

Barreto, M.C.& Simões, N. ; Determination of Biological Activities: a Laboratory Manual, (ed.) Universidade dos Azores 2012. , 2012
H. Gerhard Vogel; Drug Discovery and Evaluation: Pharmacological Assays (volumes 1 and 2), 3rd Edition, Springer-Verlag , Berlin, 2008
Zhengyin Yan, Gary W. Caldwell, ; Optimization in Drug Discovery, Human Press, New Jersey, 2004

Teaching methods and learning activities

 

- Theoretical classes (3 hours/day): Presentations in “Power Point”; it is intended to transmit knowledge in an attractive and deductive manner. The literature sources indicated during class are also considered study material.

 

- The laboratorial tasks (6 hours/week) are performed in groups of 2 or 3 students, according to a chronogram. The logic of execution, its objectives and demonstration are previously explained in the theoretical and laboratorial classes.

- Some classes will be destined to the clarification of some matters and for solving some practical exercises in a way that stimulates the mind and taste for the subjects approached in theoretical classes.

- The lecturer responsible is available for students consultation on the times announced at the beginning of the semester or at a time previously arranged and agreed.

 

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	53,00
Frequência das aulas	14,00
Trabalho laboratorial	14,00
Total:	81,00

Eligibility for exams

 

a) Attendance to theoretical classes is not compulsory.

b) Students that by law do not need to attend the practical classes, and do not have frequency in these classes must perform a practical exam previously to the final written exam in date according to the calendar.

 

Calculation formula of final grade

 

The assessment methods of the CU follow the stated in the "Evaluation Standards" of FFUP and consist of one component of assessment, which can be done either by performing a test during the period of classes or a final written examination, on subjects covered during the semester in theoretical e laboratorial lectures.
b) Students who choose to make the assessment by performing frequency must obtain a minimum score of 9.5 out of 20 at the frequency.

c) Students who do not obtain the minimum score of 9.5 out of 20 on the frequency are only able to perform the final examination at the time of appeal.
 
d) Students must obtain a minimum score on the final written test of 9.5 out of 20.
 
- The frequency or the final exam will have a factor of 100%.