Design of a drug discovery course for non‐science majors

Abstract

"Drug Discovery" is a 13-week lecture and laboratory-based course that was developed to introduce non-science majors to foundational chemistry and biochemistry concepts as they relate to the unifying theme of drug discovery. The first part of this course strives to build students' understanding of molecules, their properties, the differences that enable them to be separated from one another, and their abilities to bind to biological receptors and elicit physiological effects. After building students' molecular worldview, the course then focuses on four classes of drugs: antimicrobials, drugs that affect the mind, steroid-based drugs, and anti-cancer drugs. During each of these modules, an emphasis is placed on how understanding the basis of disease and molecular-level interactions empowers us to identify novel medicinal compounds. Periodic in class discussions based on articles pertinent to class topics ranging from the spread of antibiotic resistance, to the molecular basis of addiction, to rational drug design, are held to enable students to relate course material to pressing problems of national and daily concern. In addition to class time, weekly inquiry-based laboratories allow students to critically analyze data related to course concepts, and later in the semester give students an opportunity to design and implement their own experiments to screen for antimicrobial activity. This course provides students with an understanding of the importance of chemistry and biochemistry to human health while emphasizing the process, strategies, and challenges related to drug discovery. © 2018 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46:327-335, 2018.

The Human Microbiome as a Focus of Antibiotic Discovery: Neisseria mucosa Displays Activity Against Neisseria gonorrhoeae

“…This work was accomplished in a liberal arts college setting utilizing both traditional apprentice-style and course-based undergraduate research approaches that included both introductory and more advanced students. Projects focusing on AMR and antibiotic discovery have proven to be particularly effective at involving undergraduate students in meaningful research, connecting them to important social issues, and enlivening their study of various aspects of microbiology (e.g., Hoskisson et al, 2015 ; Smyth, 2017 ; Dube, 2018 ; Genné-Bacon and Bascom-Slack, 2018 ; Hernandez et al, 2018 ). Many prior projects focused on searching for antibiotic producing bacteria in environmental samples.…”

Development of a Web-Based Laboratory Class to Reduce the Challenges in Teaching Fragment-Based Drug Design

“…Drug design contributes greatly to human health and quality of life . Hence, a course on drug design is typically included in a well-rounded curriculum in pharmacy, chemistry, biology, and other related fields. , Technologies of drug discovery are constantly changing . In recent years, fragment-based drug design (FBDD) has rapidly developed as a promising methodology to find quality leads for subsequent optimization into drug candidates. , In addition, dozens of drug candidates derived from application of FBDD have successfully and rapidly reached the clinic .…”

“…1 Hence, a course on drug design is typically included in a well-rounded curriculum in pharmacy, chemistry, biology, and other related fields. 2,3 Technologies of drug discovery are constantly changing. 4 In recent years, fragment-based drug design (FBDD) has rapidly developed as a promising methodology to find quality leads for subsequent optimization into drug candidates.…”

The Science of Human Health—A Context-Based Chemistry Course for Non-Science Majors Incorporating Systems Thinking

“…This approach is particularly well-suited to the instruction of chemistry to students in non-science majors, whose motivations to learn chemistry are likely to stem from its “big picture” applications. Despite the fact that there is little literature regarding the subject of human health − as a framework for teaching chemistry to non-science students, it is expected to be an effective system through which to engage undergraduate students with scientific course content. Early adulthood is a critical period for the development of habits which promote personal health and well-being, − and evidence suggests that personal health is an increasingly important point of interest among adolescents and young adults. − The Relevance of Science Education (ROSE) project, a survey of school students’ attitudes toward science, also showed topics related to human health to be of interest. , The importance of human health is further highlighted in the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, which provide established guidelines for tackling social, environmental, and economic issues.…”