Computational methods for drug design
Postgraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 5
- Teaching semesters Spring
- Course code
- BMED370
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- English
- Resources
- Schedule
Course description
Objectives and Content
Computational methods are routinely used to support the design of new drugs. During the course important aspects of biomolecular recognition which form the basis on which many computational methods are built will be covered. Further, the principles of computational methods used for structure- and ligand-based drug design will be explained. Finally, publically accessible databases that are important for the field will be introduced. Through practical exercises, the students will also gain hands-on experience with industrial standard modeling methods.
Learning Outcomes
On completing the course, the student can:
Knowledge
- explain and place into context commonly used computational methods for structure- and ligand-based drug design
- Explain useful applications of various computational methods to given problems within drug design
Skills
- judge which methods to use in order to address certain problems in structure- and ligand-based drug design
- apply selected computational methods in the field of structure- and ligand-based drug design
- conduct virtual screening
Competence
- communicate both orally and interpret results obtained by applying computational methods in drug design
Semester of Instruction
Spring
Max 15 students.
Master’s students from other programmes and faculties are welcome to apply for admission.
To express your interest and motivation, please send an email to: med-ibm-studiesaker@uib.no.
Required Previous Knowledge
Students accepted to the Master's program in Biomedicine at the University of Bergen have full access to the course. Other Masters students at the University of Bergen or exchange students who fulfil the pre-requirements have access to the course after obtaining permission from the course supervisor.
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Biochemistry, bioinformatics, biology, chemistry, molecular biology, pharmacy or equivalent at the bachelor level, preferably with a completed degree.
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures (5 x 2 h) with focus on the basics of biomolecular recognition, the principles of computational methods used for drug discovery and publically accessible databases important for the field
Structured practical exercise on selected computational methods for structure- and ligand-based drug design
Group assignment to conduct virtual screening for a given target.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Attendance at lectures and participation in structured practical work is mandatory.
Forms of Assessment
Oral exam - a poster presentation on the conducted virtual screen.
Grading Scale
Pass/Fail
Course Evaluation
Written evaluation using electronic/digital evaluation tool.