Drug Discovery from Coursera

The University of California San Diego, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Drug Discovery course brings you lectures from both faculty and industry experts. With this course, recorded on campus at UCSD, we seek to share our access to top people in the field who bring an unprecedented range of expertise on drug discovery.

In this course you will learn the drug discovery process up to the filing of an Initial New Drug Application or IND. Each week you will learn the steps that a pharmaceutical or biotech company goes through to discover a new therapeutic drug. In this course you will be able to:

* Understand the pharmaceutical and biotechnology market a changing landscape

* Learn the major aspects of the drug discovery process, starting with target selection, to compound screening to designing lead candidates.

* Recognize current modern drug discovery based on the lock-and-key theory, which attempts to use one single compound to hit one target to combat the related disease.

* Increase understanding of the various drug discovery tools and methods that are used for finding, identifying and designing a new drug.

* Define and understand the regulatory responsibilities for drug discovery to file an Investigational New Drug Application (IND).

This course is intended as part 1 of a series: Drug Discovery, Drug Development (https://www.coursera.org/learn/drug-development) and Drug Commercialization (https://www.coursera.org/learn/drug-commercialization). We would highly recommend that you take the courses in order since it will give you a better understanding on how a drug is discovered in the lab before being tested in clinical trials and then launched in the market place.

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome!

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Industry Landscape

In this module course lead Dr. Williams Ettouati begins by giving a landscape overview of the Pharma and Biotechnology landscape.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Lays groundwork in drug discovery processes

Provides expert perspectives from both faculty and industry professionals

Covers key aspects of drug discovery up to filing an IND

Part of a series on drug development and commercialization

Reviews summary

Overview of the drug discovery process

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and well-structured overview of the drug discovery process, from target identification through preclinical studies. The caliber of the speakers, featuring both UCSD faculty and industry experts, is consistently highlighted as a major strength, offering valuable real-world insights and expert perspectives. Students find the content relevant and a great foundation for those in the pharma/biotech sector. While the course offers a good understanding of the big picture, some reviewers noted the lecture and production quality can be inconsistent and the course tends to provide a high-level view rather than deep, practical detail, occasionally requiring supplementary resources. Despite some minor points about content feeling slightly outdated in parts, the fundamental concepts remain highly relevant, making it a highly recommended starting point.

Some content/technology examples feel dated.

"Some of the lectures felt a little dated in terms of recording quality and maybe some specific examples..."

"My main criticism is that some of the information felt a bit out of date... specific technologies and regulatory details can change."

Great starting point for pharma/biotech careers.

"Highly recommended for anyone looking to understand the pharmaceutical R&D pipeline."

"This course is a great foundation if you're working in or planning to enter the pharma/biotech sector."

"The content is relevant... It provides excellent context for anyone working in or adjacent to the pharmaceutical industry."

"Valuable course for a high-level understanding of drug discovery... Good as the first part of the series."

Covers the entire process from target ID to IND filing.

"This course provided a comprehensive and well-structured overview of the drug discovery process from target identification through preclinical studies."

"A good introduction to the drug discovery pipeline."

"The course structure flows logically through the discovery stages."

"Fantastic course for grasping the end-to-end drug discovery pipeline."

Lectures feature top UCSD faculty and industry VPs.

"The lectures delivered by UCSD faculty and industry experts were excellent, offering valuable insights into real-world applications..."

"The caliber of the speakers is outstanding - getting insights from both top UCSD researchers and industry VPs is a rare opportunity."

"The speakers from UCSD and industry bring a lot of practical knowledge."

"The speakers are top-notch and articulate."

Lecture style and production quality vary.

"However, some of the lectures are quite dry and hard to follow. The video quality is also not great in parts."

"While the speakers are experts, their teaching styles vary wildly. Some modules are engaging, others feel like reading from a script."

"The quality of lectures is a bit inconsistent, likely due to different presenters. Some are very clear and engaging, others less so."

Provides overview but lacks deep practical detail.

"It covers a broad range of topics but doesn't go extremely deep into any one area..."

"It gives a high-level view but I needed to supplement with other resources for deeper understanding..."

"Useful as a comprehensive overview, but you'll need to pursue specific areas elsewhere for real depth."

"It gives you the 'what' but less of the 'how' or 'why' in terms of practical techniques."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Drug Discovery with these activities:

Refine Preclinical Trial Skills

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Polish preclinical trial skills for greater success in the course

Browse courses on Drug Development

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Review key concepts of preclinical studies
Identify reliable resources for information
Conduct case studies on successful preclinical trials

Explore Lock-and-Key Theory

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Delve deeper into the lock-and-key theory to enhance understanding

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Find online tutorials on the lock-and-key theory
Follow the tutorials and complete any exercises

Read 'Introduction to Drug Discovery' by Frank S. Walsh

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Provides a foundational understanding of the process of drug discovery, from target identification to clinical trials.

View Introduction to Criminology on Amazon

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Read Chapters 1-3 to understand the basics of drug discovery.
Read Chapters 4-6 to learn about target identification and validation.
Read Chapters 7-9 to learn about lead generation and optimization.
Read Chapters 10-12 to learn about preclinical and clinical development.

Eight other activities

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Show all 11 activities

Follow the 'Drug Discovery Process' tutorial series on LinkedIn Learning

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Provides a guided tour of the drug discovery process, covering key concepts and techniques.

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Watch the first tutorial to learn about the overview of the drug discovery process.
Watch the second tutorial to learn about target identification and validation.
Watch the third tutorial to learn about lead generation and optimization.
Watch the fourth tutorial to learn about preclinical and clinical development.

Attend a Workshop on Key Concepts in Drug Discovery

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Enhance knowledge through a structured workshop on key drug discovery aspects

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Identify relevant workshops
Register and attend the workshop

Engage in Discussion Forums

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Utilize the course discussion forum to clarify concepts and share insights

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Post questions and engage in discussions
Review and respond to others' posts

Practice Key Concepts in Drug Delivery

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Reinforce concepts of drug delivery through practice exercises

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Solve practice problems on key concepts
Review solutions and identify areas for improvement

Mentor a younger student who is interested in drug discovery

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Provides an opportunity to reinforce learning by teaching others.

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Identify a younger student who is interested in drug discovery.
Meet with the student regularly to discuss drug discovery concepts.
Answer the student's questions and provide guidance.

Volunteer at a local hospital or research institution that focuses on drug discovery

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Provides practical experience in the field of drug discovery.

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Identify a local hospital or research institution that focuses on drug discovery.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Complete the necessary training.
Volunteer your time to assist with drug discovery research.

Write a Summary of Genomics in Drug Discovery

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Create a concise summary of the role of genomics in drug discovery

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Research and gather key information
Outline the main points of genomics in drug discovery
Write a clear and well-organized summary

Contribute to Open-Source Software

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Apply knowledge by contributing to open-source drug discovery tools

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Identify open-source drug discovery projects
Review codebases and identify areas to contribute
Make a meaningful contribution

Career center

Learners who complete Drug Discovery will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Drug Discovery Scientist

Drug Discovery Scientists are responsible for discovering new drugs and therapies. They work in the pharmaceutical industry and use their knowledge of biology, chemistry, and pharmacology to identify and develop new drug candidates. The Drug Discovery course from the University of California, San Diego will teach you about the drug discovery process, which will be helpful if you want to work in drug discovery. Additionally, this course will help you to understand the regulatory process for new drugs, which is essential for anyone working in the pharmaceutical industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Drug Discovery Scientist

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research to discover new drugs and therapies. They work in the pharmaceutical industry and use their knowledge of biology, chemistry, and pharmacology to identify and develop new drug candidates. The Drug Discovery course from the University of California, San Diego will teach you about the drug discovery process, which will be helpful if you want to work as a research scientist. Additionally, this course will help you to understand the regulatory process for new drugs, which is essential for anyone working in the pharmaceutical industry.

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Pharmacologist

Pharmacologists study the effects of drugs on the body. They use their knowledge to develop new drugs and therapies. The Drug Discovery course from the University of California, San Diego will teach you about the drug discovery process, which will be helpful if you want to work as a pharmacologist. Additionally, this course will help you to understand the regulatory process for new drugs, which is essential for anyone working in the pharmaceutical industry.

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Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives sell drugs and other pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals. They provide information about the clinical trials, safety, and efficacy of new drugs. The Drug Discovery course from the University of California, San Diego will teach you about the drug discovery process, which will be helpful if you want to work as a pharmaceutical sales representative. Additionally, this course will help you to understand the regulatory process for new drugs, which is essential for anyone working in the pharmaceutical industry.

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Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Regulatory Affairs Specialists ensure that drugs and other medical products are safe and effective. They work with the FDA and other regulatory agencies to ensure that drugs meet all safety and efficacy requirements. The Drug Discovery course from the University of California, San Diego will teach you about the drug discovery process, which will be helpful if you want to work as a regulatory affairs specialist. Additionally, this course will help you to understand the regulatory process for new drugs, which is essential for anyone working in the pharmaceutical industry.

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Medical Science Liaison

Medical Science Liaisons work with healthcare professionals to educate them about new drugs and therapies. They provide information about the clinical trials, safety, and efficacy of new drugs. The Drug Discovery course from the University of California, San Diego will teach you about the drug discovery process, which will be helpful if you want to work as a medical science liaison. Additionally, this course will help you to understand the regulatory process for new drugs, which is essential for anyone working in the pharmaceutical industry.

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Clinical Research Associate

Clinical Research Associates work with doctors and other healthcare professionals to design, conduct, and manage clinical trials. They ensure that clinical trials are conducted ethically and in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. The Drug Discovery course from the University of California, San Diego will teach you about the drug discovery process, which will be helpful if you want to work in clinical research. Additionally, this course will help you to understand the regulatory process for new drugs, which is essential for anyone working in clinical research.

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Quality Assurance Specialist

Quality Assurance Specialists ensure that drugs and other medical products are safe and effective. They work with the FDA and other regulatory agencies to ensure that drugs meet all safety and efficacy requirements. The Drug Discovery course from the University of California, San Diego will teach you about the drug discovery process, which will be helpful if you want to work as a quality assurance specialist. Additionally, this course will help you to understand the regulatory process for new drugs, which is essential for anyone working in the pharmaceutical industry.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians use statistical methods to analyze data in the biomedical field. They work in the pharmaceutical industry and use their knowledge of statistics to design and analyze clinical trials. The Drug Discovery course from the University of California, San Diego will teach you about the drug discovery process, which will be helpful if you want to work as a biostatistician. Additionally, this course will help you to understand the regulatory process for new drugs, which is essential for anyone working in the pharmaceutical industry.

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Healthcare Consultant

Healthcare Consultants provide advice and guidance to healthcare organizations on a variety of topics, including drug discovery. They help healthcare organizations to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. The Drug Discovery course from the University of California, San Diego will teach you about the drug discovery process, which will be helpful if you want to work as a healthcare consultant in the pharmaceutical industry.

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Chemist

Chemists study the structure, properties, composition, and change of matter. They use their knowledge to develop new products and technologies. The Drug Discovery course from the University of California, San Diego will teach you about the principles of drug discovery, which will be helpful if you want to develop new drugs or work in the pharmaceutical industry.

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Toxicologist

Toxicologists study the effects of chemicals on the body. They use their knowledge to develop new drugs and therapies. The Drug Discovery course from the University of California, San Diego will teach you about the drug discovery process, which will be helpful if you want to work as a toxicologist. Additionally, this course will help you to understand the regulatory process for new drugs, which is essential for anyone working in the pharmaceutical industry.

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Veterinarian

Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases in animals. They prescribe drugs and other treatments to animals. The Drug Discovery course from the University of California, San Diego will teach you about the drug discovery process, which will be helpful if you want to work as a veterinarian. Additionally, this course will help you to understand the regulatory process for new drugs, which is essential for anyone working in the veterinary field.

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Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers blend engineering with biology and medicine. They seek new ways to bring technology into the healthcare field by designing tools, devices, systems, and software. They can also work in the pharmaceutical industry. The Drug Discovery course from the University of California, San Diego will introduce you to the drug discovery process, which will be helpful if you want to design new medical technologies. Additionally, this course will help you to understand the regulatory process for new drugs, which could be helpful if you want to work in the pharmaceutical industry.

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Physician

Physicians diagnose and treat diseases. They prescribe drugs and other treatments to patients. The Drug Discovery course from the University of California, San Diego will teach you about the drug discovery process, which will be helpful if you want to work as a physician. Additionally, this course will help you to understand the regulatory process for new drugs, which is essential for anyone working in the healthcare field.

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