Unit Catalogue

Back to Unit Search

PHA507 - How Medicines Work: Medicinal Chemistry

2026

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Pharmacy

Credit Points

Equivalent Units

Prerequisites

Incompatible

Coerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Unit Description

In this unit, students will cover the evolution of drugs through time, the principles of drug discovery in the areas of pharmacognosy and natural products, synthetic, medicinal chemistry and the development of medicinal substances. The unit will focus on their chemistry and, in particular, how the chemical structure of a drug relates to its biological activity. Students will develop technical and analytical skills in drug isolation, identification and analysis methods. They will also be able to analyse traditional bush medicines as part of their compulsory on-campus intensive practical component; this will be 5 days on the Casuarina campus.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Analyse the structure-action relationship of various medicines to predict their mode of action
2.	Apply knowledge of the chemistry of proteins and nucleic acids to their role as drug targets.
3.	Predict the mechanism of action of a drug in vivo and its physiological activity based on the relationship between its structure and biological targets.
4.	Apply technical and analytical skills to competently isolate, identify and analyse drugs.
5.	Design and implement a plan to work safely and competently in a chemical laboratory.
6.	Effectively contribute to team and group work for scientific investigation and reporting by applying sophisticated communication and interpersonal skills.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Weekly Workshop Discussion and Participation (4 x 500 words) (Hurdle)	P/F	1,2,3,4'
2.	Online Test (4 x10 mins)	10%	1,2,3,4'
3.	Lab Report on Group Practical Test (3-5 pages/student) (Hurdle)	20%	4,5,6
4.	Group Practical Test - Laboratory Skills and Synthesis and Purity of the Correct Product (2 hours)	40%	4,5,6
5.	Online Test (90 minutes)	30%	1,2,3

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2026	INT-6	Internal	Casuarina Campus	ITV	View
2026	INT-6	External	External Studies	ITV	View

* Timetable will be displayed in new tab or window depending on your browser's configuration; ensure Pop-ups are allowed for this site to view the timetable.

ITV: This unit will be delivered/part-delivered intensively in this teaching period rather than over the full semester.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
Fees and Payments
Student Services and Amenities Fees
2025 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)
2025 Incidental Fees (PDF)