Chirality and Medicines
For VCE Chemistry
‘Chirality and Medicines’ is an interactive workshop teaching secondary students about the underlying principles of chirality in human systems. It will invite them to consider careers in the health sciences with particular regard to pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. The Outreach Educator from Monash will visit schools and bring modelling kits for students to participate. Students will appreciate how the chirality of organic molecules relates to the biochemical targets of drugs, and the effectiveness of medicines.
Aim
To provide an interactive overview of identifying chirality in organic molecules (carbon atom
surrounded by four different groups). In addition, the significance of isomers will be covered
regarding their influence on the effectiveness of medicines.
This workshop is in alignment with the VCE curriculum, Unit 4, Area of study 2: Medicinal chemistry.
Expected program outcomes
The material is tailored to year 12 students who are guided through discussions and molecular
modelling activities.
Students will:
- Be able to identify chiral centres with a further emphasis on molecular structure
- Discuss the impact of chirality on medicines safety and effectiveness
- Explore/build the structures (and smells) of some simple chiral compounds found in food
- Predict the chirality of a key asthma medicine
- Appreciate the chemistry challenges that lie ahead for medicines research
Location
- At your school (we require a classroom with a projector and tables suitable for team work) or online
Duration
- 40 - 50 mins (or double sessions)
Capacity
- Best for a class of maximum 24 students
Availability
- Flexible with days and times, contact us to discuss