Functional Groups and Medicines
For VCE Chemistry
‘Functional Groups and Medicine’ is an interactive workshop teaching secondary students about the underlying principles of functional groups and molecular properties. 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 functional groups can affect how a molecule behaves within the body and relate this to the reduction of side effects.
Aim
To provide an interactive overview of the structure and functional groups of organic molecules that are medicines (in alignment with the VCE curriculum, Unit 4, Area of study 2: Medicinal chemistry). The workshop will also explore examples of how functional groups can be manipulated to design effective human therapeutics. To consolidate student’s understanding, they will build molecular models of natural substances. Students will engage with a real drug discovery scientist to explore the functional groups of simple organic molecules.
Expected program outcomes
The material is tailored to year 12 students who are guided through discussions and modelling activities.
Students will:
- Gain a broad understanding of functional groups and molecular structure
- Explore the properties of some simple functional groups found in medicines
- Discuss functional group properties and human cellular structure to solve a side effect conundrum
- Engage in a short functional groups quiz
- 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 minutes (or double sessions)
Capacity
- Best for a class of maximum 24 students
Availability
- Flexible with days and times, contact us to discuss