Structure activity relationship (SAR) maps: A student-friendly tool to teach medicinal chemistry in integrated...

Courses that integrate pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacotherapy are widely implemented in pharmacy curriculums. The integration of medicinal chemistry is often challenging given the difficulty of material and time constraints. The objective of this pedagogical approach is to utilize structure activity relationship (SAR) maps as visual aids to teach students medicinal chemistry in an integrated course.

SAR maps were designed and implemented within an integrated course focusing on cardiopulmonary diseases. Specific SAR maps used in lecture and class activities included phenylethylamines (adrenergic agonists (i.e. bronchodilators)) and aryloxypropanolamines (beta blockers). Students were assessed in class activities (formative) and exams (high stakes) for specific information surrounding drug structure and the SAR map. Drug properties assessed included essential pharmacophores, pharmacodynamics, physiochemical properties, metabolism, duration of action, and decision-making.

Results from assessment item analysis reveal that students performed well on medicinal chemistry questions related to the SAR maps (~90% correct on first exam). Students revealed in a survey that the SAR maps enhanced their understanding of medicinal chemistry concepts.

SAR maps are effective tools that visually teach students key concepts in medicinal chemistry. This millennial student-friendly tool is time-effective and promotes learning as opposed to drug structure memorization. The SAR map can be easily implemented in other integrated courses focused on various disease states.