Chemistry of medicines
For Year 10 science
In this hands-on and fun workshop students apply covalent bonding principles to the design of medicines. Students will build complex 3D molecules and use augmented reality and 3D models to visualise the importance of molecular shape and drug specificity. Students also get to participate in team activities that allow them to attempt to solve the challenges faced by Pharmaceutical scientists and Pharmacists every day.
Location
- Monash University, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052
Or
- At your school (we require a classroom with a projector and tables suitable for team work)
Duration
- 1-2 hrs
Capacity
- Best for a class of maximum 25 students
Availability
- Flexible with days and times, availability subject to room access at our Parkville campus
Recommended prior knowledge
- Atomic Structure
- Covalent bonding
Year 10 curriculum content explored
- Covalent bonding in organic molecules
- Importance of key elements in organic molecules
- Representations of molecules
- The importance of receptor and medicine specificity
Extension ideas explored
- The molecular structures of common medicines
- Rational drug design in pharmaceutical research
- Real-world problems faced by pharmaceutical scientists
- The roles and skills of pharmacists in the health care system
Key skills developed
- Problem solving
- Team work
- Communication
- Application of content to new contexts
Key activities and interactive challenges
Subject to time restraints
- Molecule building
- Examination of 3D receptors through models and augmented reality Ipads
- Drug design problem solving challenge (in teams)
- Hospital pharmacist communication and problem solving challenge (in teams)