Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Introduction to Nanomedicine
Code CHEM426
Coordinator Dr TO McDonald
Chemistry
Thomas.Mcdonald@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Pre-requisites before taking this module (or general academic requirements):

 

Aims

The aims of the module are to
• explain colloidal/self-assembling systems in detail and their role in nanomedicine;
• Inform about the state of the art of materials for nanomedicines and the synthetic routes used;
• explain the pharmacological behaviour of nanomedicines and how different diseases require different approaches for successful treatment.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students should be able to show that they can define and explain colloidal systems and name examples of different colloids. They should demonstrate a detailed understanding of how colloidal stability can be obtained, and explain and utilise the principles behind calculating colloidal stability.

(LO2) Students should be able to describe the different types of nanomedicines and discuss the range of advanced synthetic routes used to produce different nanomedicine structures for oral and injectable administration. They should understand the differences between conjugated and non-conjugated delivery systems, including self-assembled nanostructures and be able to explain the advanced methods available for the characterisation of nanomedicines.

(LO3) Students will understand the principles behind pharmacokinetics and the importance of these principles to nanomedicine. They will understand the different routes of administration used to deliver nanomedicines and be able to explain how different diseases present different challenges to drug delivery and how nanomedicines can be designed to targets specific diseases.

(LO4) Students will be able to examine the state of the art for nanomedicines and discuss the future research directions.

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Numeracy

(S3) Commercial awareness

(S4) Learning skills online studying and learning effectively in technology-rich environments, formal and informal


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lectures: 16 lectures covering the core content of the module. The approximately half of the lectures will be delivered online only; with each on-line lecture being divided into 2 videos.

In addition to the lectures, students will be required to undertake independent reading of the resources specified on the reading list. These resources will primarily be journal review articles and leading publications (which will be made available on Canvas).

Coursework: One assignment that involves understanding and critically reporting on research articles, based on the material discussed in the lectures. This problem-based assessment will take approximately four hours for an average student to complete.

*Lectures: 16 hr


Syllabus

 

The syllabus consists of:
◦ Colloid science
◦ Nanomedicine classification
◦ Synthesis of nanomedicines
◦ Characterisation of nanomedicines
◦ Basic principles of pharmacokinetics
◦ Routes of administration for nanomedicines
◦ Disease specific design of nanomedicines
◦ Case studies on current clinical therapies

The majority of content in this syllabus will be new to Master's level Chemistry students and so this module will primarily introduce these new topics in order to provide a detailed foundation of understanding. However, the module will build on some content from previous optional modules such as CHEM326 and CHEM378, although completion of these modules is not essential.


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours           16

16
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 57
TOTAL HOURS 73

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
In person closed book examination  120    80       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
1 problem-based assignments/critical evaluation of research    20