Enhancing medicinal chemistry knowledge and student interest: Incorporating pharmacy practice related case studies and active-learning strategies

Abstract

Description: The action research evaluation describes a variety of novel teaching and learning techniques that were incorporated into a medicinal chemistry course. Clinically relevant medicinal chemistry cases were presented to learners complemented with 3D protein visualisation software in lectures. Evaluation: The learning outcome of students was assessed using in-class quizzes, poster session presentations and exams. Students’ marks and post-course surveys were used to assess the newly employed teaching methods. The improvement in student marks complemented the post-course surveys resulted. The majority of students agreed that the course design has improved their understanding of medicinal chemistry in general and helped in relating the course to pharmacy practice. Conclusion: This study suggests that diversifying teaching and learning methods is essential to improved students’ performance and understanding of medicinal chemistry. The integration of clinically relevant medicinal chemistry cases may help students to relate the concepts of drug chemistry, and drug design aspects to pharmacy practice.