MPM 0 - Overview
A basic understanding of chemistry, biochemistry, and medicinal chemistry is essential for a molecular understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of human diseases. This module covers the organic chemical reactions essential for a molecular understanding of disease pathogenesis and precision medicine, the fundamentals of biochemistry, and the basic concepts of drug development.
MPM 0 - Details
Module 0 is the first course that students must complete. It is structured like a short crash course (boot camp) to prepare all students as well as possible for the upcoming modules and their time in the program.
The goal of the module is to teach students the following:
- You understand the structure of organic molecules and have knowledge
of conformation, configuration, and stereochemistry. - You will gain an overview of chemical reactivity and acquire
knowledge of organic chemical reactions. - You have an understanding of the key quantitative
principles of cell biology and are familiar with
parameters used to quantify molecular interactions, such as IC50
and KD. - You understand the molecular basis of drug-receptor
interactions and can visualize them. - You understand key concepts in drug discovery, such as hit
identification, hit-to-lead conversion, lead optimization, bioisosterism,
bioavailability, and toxicity.
Module coordinators
Gerhard Ecker
Gerhard Ecker is Professor of Pharmacoinformatics and Head of the Pharmacoinformatics Research Group at the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna. He coordinates the research focus “Computational Life Sciences” of the Faculty of Life Sciences. His research focuses on computational drug design, with special emphasis on drug-transporter interaction and in silico safety assessment.
