Methods in Pharmaceutical Research
Undergraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 3
- Teaching semesters
- Spring
- Course code
- FARM301A
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- Norwegian
- Resources
- Schedule
- Reading list
Course description
Objectives and Content
The course consists of two parts:
Spectroscopy, 2 sp
Biochemical methodology, 1 sp
Spectroscopy:
This part entails spectroscopic techniques used in the analysis of organic compounds. Infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy will be discussed, while the main focus will be on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). Students will learn how to identify unknown compounds by using information from IR, UV, MS and NMR spectra.
Relevant pharmaceutical examples will be discussed.
Biochemical methodology:
The course includes the theory and practical aspects of some basic techniques in molecular biology and biochemistry. The main focus is on purification of plasmids, PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, transformation of bacteria, recombinant protein expression, purification of His-tagged proteins, SDS-PAGE and a modification of Western blotting.
Learning Outcomes
Spectroscopy
Explain/discuss the different spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV/vis, NMR and MS) and interpret spectroscopic data from IR, UV/vis, NMR and MS either by themselves of combinations of these in order to determine the structures of organic compounds.
Biochemical methodology
Master the basic knowledge behind the practical methods that are used in this course, be able to perform basic cloning techniques, PCR and to express recombinant protein in bacteria and to perform the SDS gel electrophoresis and Western / spot blot techniques. The student should be able to master basic molecular biological techniques in general and be able to carry out similar experiments
Semester of Instruction
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Forms of Assessment
Spectroscopy: Written exam (2.5 hours). The total time inlcude uploading of files.
Permitted examination support materials, The textbook (Williams and Fleming: Spectroscopic methods in organic chemistry 6th Edition.). It is not allowed to have notes in the textbook, which can be used on the exam. Underlining of text, figures and tables in the textbook are allowed.
Grading Scale
Grading scale A-F is used.