• University of Leeds

Discovering Science: Medicinal Chemistry

What role does chemistry play in healthcare and our ability to diagnose and treat patients?

4.5 (36 reviews)

24,879 enrolled on this course

Discovering Science: Medicinal Chemistry

4.5 (36 reviews)

24,879 enrolled on this course

  • 2 weeks

  • 5 hours per week

  • Accreditation available

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

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Discover how chemotherapy has evolved, and some of the breakthroughs and developments chemists have made in the fight against cancer over the last 10 years.

Diagnostic imaging examines how scientists learn about, and treat, the inside of the body without invasive surgery. You’ll explore how modern imaging techniques diagnose problems quickly and safely, and how diseases which may not previously have been picked up are identified.

Intrigued? Then sign up for this short course to find out more.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 11 seconds Chemistry plays a crucial role in understanding, diagnosing, and finding cures for some of the world’s most complex medical conditions, such as cancer. Delivered by leading academics, this course examines how applied knowledge of chemistry can solve some of the greatest health challenges facing the world today. In week one, Dr. Richard Foster helps you grasp the vital role that chemotherapy plays in the treatment of cancers, examine how cancer cells are formed, and investigate the developments in cancer chemotherapy research and the future of cancer medicine. In week two, Dr. Charlotte Willans explains the impact of medical imaging techniques and their historical development, consider a range of diagnostic techniques and tools, such as x-ray, and how they have progressed.

Skip to 1 minute and 5 seconds As part of the discovering science program, this course will demonstrate how science is communicated and will further develop your science writing skills, helping you reach a wider audience. Sign up now for Discovering Science, Medicinal Chemistry.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Cancer chemotherapy

    • Welcome

      Welcome to Discovering Science: Medicinal Chemistry. This course explores the role that chemistry plays in healthcare and our ability to diagnose and treat patients.

    • Historical perspectives

      This activity introduces the topic of cancer chemotherapy and explores why it is so necessary and valuable. You’ll discover some of the important developments that have helped to shape the discovery of modern cancer medicines.

    • Science in action

      In this activity, you look at recent research directed towards development of a molecular targeted therapy for the treatment of Kaposi’s sarcoma – a cancer which has an urgent medical need, particularly in the developing world.

    • Future perspectives

      In this activity, you explore the future of cancer therapy and find out why it is necessary to develop new strategies to defeat the disease.

    • Revision

      This revision activity provides further opportunity to explore the topics covered this week. It is recommended that you join this activity if you have signed up for the program and are working towards academic credit.

    • Summary

      To close this week of the course you have the opportunity to reflect on the week and explore the glossary.

  • Week 2

    Medical imaging and molecular diagnostics

    • About Week 2

      This week you will look at the science of medical imaging and molecular diagnostics.

    • Historical perspectives

      This activity looks at molecular diagnostics from a historical perspective. Dr Charlotte Willans explains the science behind prominent medical imaging techniques.

    • Science in action

      In this activity, Amber Gislason-Lee, a Research Officer at the University of Leeds, looks at medical imaging techniques in action at Leeds General Infirmary.

    • Future perspectives

      This activity looks at the future of medical imaging techniques, reflecting on the ethical issues associated with diagnostic imaging.

    • Revision

      This revision activity provides further opportunity to explore the topics covered this week. It is recommended that you join this activity if you have signed up for the program and are working towards academic credit.

    • Summary

      Paul reflects on the week through a summary of discussions, questions and comments. There is also an opportunity for you to test your understanding and find out more about the other courses in the program.

Who is this accredited by?

The CPD Certification Service
The CPD Certification Service:

This course has been accredited by the CPD Certification Service, which means it can be used to provide evidence of your continuing professional development.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Identify how chemotherapy works in targeting cancer cells and explain the benefits of molecular targeted therapeutics.
  • Investigate recent developments, and explore potential future developments, in the treatment of cancer.
  • Identify four main medical imaging techniques and the use of contrast agents.
  • Develop an awareness of ethical issues related to diagnostic imaging.

Who is the course for?

The course is suitable for anyone with a general interest in chemistry; no previous knowledge or experience is required.

If you are working in the field of science and would like to practice and improve your science writing skills, this course is designed to support you as a professional. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time. If you intend to complete the Discovering Science collection of online courses, it is recommended that you complete Discovering Science: Science Writing before starting this course, however, this course can still be studied independently.

Who will you learn with?

Paul Taylor

I'm from West Yorkshire. I'm a Professor at the University of Leeds & Dean : Student Education. I research cancer & evolution https://physicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/staff/210/professor-paul-taylor

Martin McPhillie

I'm a research scientist/Teaching Fellow within the School of Chemistry at the University of Leeds, interested in the structure-based design of novel medicines for infectious diseases.

Who developed the course?

University of Leeds

As one of the UK’s largest research-based universities, the University of Leeds is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and a centre of excellence for teaching.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$99/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible
Continue & Upgrade

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 19 Jul 2023

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

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  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

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Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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