Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026

A Platform of Anti-biofilm Assays Suited to the Exploration of Natural Compound Libraries
Published on: December 27, 2016
Design and implementation of a laboratory-based drug design and synthesis advanced pharmacy practice experience
Ashok Philip1, Mark Stephens1, Sheila L Mitchell1
1Union University School of Pharmacy, Jackson, Tennessee.
Objective:
To provide students with an opportunity to participate in medicinal chemistry research within the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum.
Design:
We designed and implemented a 3-course sequence in drug design or drug synthesis for pharmacy students consisting of a 1-month advanced elective followed by two 1-month research advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs). To maximize student involvement, this 3-course sequence was offered to third-year and fourth-year students twice per calendar year.
Assessment:
Students were evaluated based on their commitment to the project's success, productivity, and professionalism. Students also evaluated the course sequence using a 14-item course evaluation rubric. Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Students found the experience to be a valuable component of their pharmacy curriculum.
Conclusion:
We successfully designed and implemented a 3-course research sequence that allows PharmD students in the traditional 4-year program to participate in drug design and synthesis research. Students report the sequence enhanced their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills and helped them develop as independent learners. Based on the success achieved with this sequence, efforts are underway to develop research APPEs in other areas of the pharmaceutical sciences.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Discovery: Overview
Dosage Regimens: Designs and Approaches
Structure-Activity Relationships and Drug Design
SAR studies the intricate relationship between a drug's chemical structure and biological activity. It focuses on understanding how modifications to a drug's structure can influence...
Drug Administration and Therapy Phases: Overview
The pharmaceutical phase focuses on leveraging the physicochemical properties of the drug to design and manufacture an effective product. Variants include orally administered tablets or capsules, topical creams or ointments, and parenteral-delivery solutions or emulsions.
The pharmacokinetic phase...
Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Relationship: Problems
Preclinical Development: Overview

