Courses: BMED370 Computational methods for drug design - Autumn 2022

Language of Instruction

English

Teaching semester

Spring

Max 15 students

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

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 Methods and Extent of Organized Teaching

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.

Contact Information

Department of Biomedicine
studie.biomed@uib.no

Course coordinator:
Ruth Brenk, https://www.uib.no/en/persons/Ruth.Brenk