Module manager: Prof. Mike Webb
Email: M.E.Webb@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
None
CHEM5013M
This module is not approved as an Elective
The module is designed to provide students with educational resources in specific areas of the subject (organic chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology, practical laboratory skills, and Python-based digital skills) which students with diverse backgrounds may have not encountered on their own undergraduate programme. The topics chosen are intended to provide background for core modules on the MSc Drug Discovery and Development programme. Students will choose three topics. For each topic, online and/or written learning resources are provided and students complete coursework (written or online) for which feedback will be provided.
-To enable students to understand how the multidisciplinary nature of drug discovery and development is underpinned by basic chemical, molecular, and biological sciences.
-To provide a diverse intake of students with educational resources in specific subject areas relevant to the MSc Drug Discovery and Development, which they may not have been encountered on their own particular undergraduate programme (e.g. organic chemistry; fundamentals of biochemistry and bio-molecular structure; recombinant DNA technology; pharmacology, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics; practical skills; Python coding).
Subject specific learning outcomes
1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge and understanding of theoretical topics chosen following consultation with the programme leader (and coding topics where appropriate) in order to fill gaps missing from each student’s previous experience, as evidenced by their ability to apply their knowledge in this area to the successful completion of deductive problems.
2. Students planning on performing experimental project work will demonstrate that they can work safely in the laboratory and perform common laboratory tasks relevant to chemical and biochemical experiments and data analysis.
All students, regardless of pathway, will build on their existing skills profile enhancing their theoretical, digital or experimental skills as appropriate to their previous background.
Skills learning outcomes:
a. Use computational or experimental methods as appropriate to explore scientific problems.
b. Explain the results of digital or experimental analyses in a scientifically rigorous way.
c. Reflect on and articulate their skills profile and identify areas of strengths and areas for future development.
Students will choose three topics from three 5-credit baskets of activity. Each basket can contain either theoretical, digital or experimental content which may include: organic chemistry, chemistry of biomolecules, recombinant DNA technology, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, Python coding, practical lab work.
Student choices must include at least 5 credits of theoretical content.
The syllabus from each topic will include a selection of material which is taught in undergraduate programmes in Leeds. Material will be delivered through online recordings supported by live tutorial workshops and lab classes to allow students with different backgrounds to learn in a flexible way.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory | 8 | 7 | 56 |
| Workshop | 8 | 2 | 16 |
| Seminars | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Lecture | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Independent online learning hours | 27 | ||
| Private study hours | 42 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 81 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Online quiz questions with detailed answers provide students with opportunities to test their understanding while working through online resources. Formative feedback is provided during the interactive seminars. Students are provided with example questions before or during seminars and anonymous polls of their answers allow the lecturers to focus their feedback and provide additional explanations where appropriate.
The workshops or lab sessions will involve guided solutions to the tasks with a member of staff enabling feedback on the approach being taken and any technical issues.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 29/05/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team