College of Arts and Sciences
Governor State University

Division of Science
COURSE SYLLABUS

IMPORTANT  NOTE: Class Meets at USF

INDEX NUMBER: CHEM 501RA
COURSE TITLE: Chemistry of Illicit Drugs

PROFESSOR: Dr. Salim M. Diab
INITIATING PROFESSOR: Karen D’arcy, Ph. D.
CREDIT HOURS: 1.0 (Weekend Workshop)
TRIMESTER: Winter 2007

Phone: 815-740-3855
E-Mail: sdiab@stfrancis.edu
HomePage: http://www.stfrancis.edu/ns/diab/etherman.htm

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Course Description: 

This course emphasizes the various chemical concepts and principles that govern our understanding of the chemistry of drugs as well as their impact on society. The basic philosophy here is to emphasize the principles of drug design, drug action, and drug testing from organic chemical perspective with some pharmacological applications. Multiple sources of instructional methods will be used including formal lectures using power point presentation, internet sources, and video case studies.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES:
This course is designed to provide a basic foundation in the field of drug chemistry for those students interested in the field of  chemistry, forensic science, psychology-biology, and criminal justice. The student is allowed to experience the various analytical and instrumental methods used in analyzing and characterizing drugs such as UV-VIS, FT-IR, and GC-MS, to name a few.

PREREQUISITE
Minimum of One Course in Organic Chemistry

INTENDED AUDIENCE
This course is intended for all students who wish to know more about the fundamentals of drug chemistry and have the prerequisite course for it. This course may be of special interest to practicing scientists who wish to develop a new field of interest. This course does not qualify as a general education course, but can serve as an elective course.

EXPECTED STUDENT OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this course students are expected to be able to understand the various techniques in synthesis, isolation, and characterization of various drugs. Students are also expected to be able to identify, discuss, and apply the organic chemistry principles that govern drug chemistry. In addition, students are expected to use the various modern instruments to solve drug problems. Students are also expected to use the electronic literature to search for information, conduct research and to critique the authenticity of the electronic sources.

INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Lecture (formal and electronic) and lab investigations.

TEXT
Powerpoint Lecture Notes, Diab - please get your own copy (CD) from Dr. D.

DAY 1
Lecture - Topics

- What is a drug?

- Drug design.

- Drugs and the Brain

- Chemistry of drugs: physical, chemical, and pharmacological properties.

 

Select a topic for your research paper (graduate students only).

DAY 2

Lab Investigations

- Introduction to Spectroscopy and Drugs Analysis (UV-VIS, FT-IR, and GC-MS)

- Lab Investigations and Exercises. 
       

STUDENT EVALUATION
Undergraduate students must complete the lab exercises and report, solve case study, and answer wrap-up questions.
Grading:
Assessment/Lab Exercises - 50%
Presentation - 50%
Total - 100%

 

Graduate students must complete the all the above as the undergraduates and write a 3-5 page reaction paper on the issue of legalizing drugs, pros and cons.
Grading:
Assessment/Lab Exercises - 50%
Presentation - 30%

Reaction paper - 20%
Total - 100%

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Food and Drug Administration: http://www.fda.gov

American Council for drug education: http://www.drughelp.org

Pertnership for Drug Free America: http://www.drugfreeamerica.org

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information: http://www.health.org

National Institute on Drug Abuse: http://www.nida.nih.gov
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: http://www.niaaa.nih.gov  

DISABILITY STATEMENT

Students who have disability or special needs and require accommodation in order to have equal access to the classroom must register with the designated staff member in the Division of Student Development. Please go to Room B1201 or call (708) 534-4090 and ask for the Coordinator of Disability Services. Students will be required to provide documentation of any disability when an accommodation is requested.
 

Email: sdiab@stfrancis.edu