Drug Discovery

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/drug-discovery

Introduction

**Course Review: Drug Discovery by University of California San Diego** If you're interested in the complex and fascinating field of drug discovery, the Coursera course offered by the University of California San Diego’s Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is a compelling option. This course not only introduces the critical elements of drug discovery but also brings insights from experienced faculty and industry experts, making it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enter or advance in the pharmaceutical industry. ### Overview The Drug Discovery course provides a comprehensive overview of the entire drug development process, from conceptualization to the filing of an Investigational New Drug Application (IND). This course is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application, giving students access to top experts in the field. What sets this course apart is the quality of its content, provided through a series of lectures recorded on the UCSD campus, leveraging the university’s strong connections with the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. ### Course Content #### Weekly Structure The course is structured into several modules, each addressing a key aspect of drug discovery: 1. **Welcome!** - An introductory session that sets the stage for the learning journey to come. 2. **Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Industry Landscape** - Led by Dr. Williams Ettouati, this module provides an overview of the current landscape of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, a critical foundation for understanding where drug discovery fits into the larger picture. 3. **Drug Discovery: Proteomics, Genomics** - Featuring Phillip Bourne, PhD, this week covers essential topics in genomics and proteomics, illustrating how these scientific fields contribute to drug discovery. 4. **Compound Selection & Preclinical Studies** - Dr. Ronald Christopher, Vice President of Preclinical Trials at Arena Pharmaceuticals, explains the significance of compound selection and the role of preclinical studies in the drug development pipeline. 5. **Challenges in Fragment Based Drug Discovery for Protein Kinases** - In this module, Dr. Stephen Burley discusses the complexities involved in fragment-based drug discovery, particularly regarding protein kinases, highlighting ongoing challenges and innovations in the field. 6. **Key Concepts in Drug Delivery** - Brookie Best, Pharm.D., delves into the essential concepts of drug delivery systems, emphasizing the importance of effective delivery methods in ensuring the success of drugs. ### Learning Outcomes By the end of this course, you can expect to: - Understand the critical steps in the drug discovery process. - Gain insight into the pharmaceutical and biotechnology landscape. - Learn from industry experts about the latest challenges and advancements in drug discovery. - Familiarize yourself with key concepts in proteomics, genomics, compound selection, and drug delivery. ### Recommendation I highly recommend the Drug Discovery course for anyone interested in pharmacology, biotechnology, or medical research. Whether you are a student, a healthcare professional, or someone wanting to pivot into this exciting field, this course offers valuable knowledge and perspectives that can help you understand the intricacies of drug discovery. The exceptional faculty, combined with practical insights from industry leaders, provides a unique learning experience that you will not find in many other online courses. In conclusion, the Drug Discovery course by UCSD is a fantastic investment for those looking to deepen their understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and the processes that drive the development of new drugs. Enroll today and take the first step towards a rewarding career in drug discovery!

Syllabus

Welcome!

In this module course lead Dr. Williams Ettouati begins by giving a landscape overview of the Pharma and Biotechnology landscape.

This week we will be hearing from Phillip Bourne, PhD. Dr. Bourne was, at the time of this recording, the Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Industrial Alliances in the UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Since that time, he has been named the first Associate Director for Data Science at the United States National Institutes of Health.

This week we will hear from Ronald Christopher, Ph.D. Dr. Ronald Christopher, Vice President of Preclinical Trials at Arena Pharmaceuticals.

In this module we will hear from Stephen Burley, M.D., Ph.D. At the time of this recording, Director of the Center for Integrative Proteomics at Rutgers University. He is now the Director of the Protein Data Bank and remains an Adjunct Professor at the UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

This module we hear from Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Pediatrics, Brookie Best, Pharm. D., of UCSD's Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.