Module overview
This module provides fourth year students with an introduction to the principles of selective toxicity, in which chemotherapeutic agents are used to inhibit the growth of an invading species (or cancerous cells) by selective targeting pathways or processes in the pathogen.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- State the importance of anthelmintic therapy for human health. Describe common animal parasites of humans and the pathophysiology associated with infection. Outline the most commonly used anthelmintic agents. Describe in detail the mechanism of action of levamisole, piperazine and ivermectin and in particular how these drugs achieve selective toxicity.
- Outline the key molecular targets of common anti-fungal agents. Explain the mechanism of action and selectivity (or not) of these agents.
- Describe the processes that can lead to cancer formation (viral and cellular oncogenes, chromosomal aberrations, mutagenesis). Explain the molecular basis of action of current anticancer agents, with particular emphasis on cytotoxic agents targeted at DNA replication and new agents against specific molecular targets.
- Outline the major points in a virus lifecycle of that are potential targets for selective antiviral agents with particular reference to herpes and HIV. Describe how nucleoside analogues function as inhibitors of thymidine kinase, DNA polymerase and reverse transcriptase.
- Identify the key events in the life cycle of the malaria parasite. Explain how these can be targeted by anti-malarial agents.
- Outline the potential of oligonucleotides as antisense agents for inhibiting the synthesis of individual gene products. Describe their mechanism of action and the various modifications that have been used to increase their activity.
Syllabus
This module is concerned with the mechanism of action of several chemotherapeutic agents, targeted at various disease states. Topics covered include anticancer agents, anthelmintics, antimalarials, antifungals, antisense oligonucleotides and antiviral compounds. The module will emphasise the molecular mechanism of action of drugs in each of these categories.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures. Students are strongly encouraged to attempt exam questions from previous years and to submit these for comments and feedback.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 126 |
| Lecture | 24 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Literature review with presentation | 25% |
| Written assessment | 75% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Written assessment | 75% |
| Literature review with presentation | 25% |