Computer-based exercises to supplement the teaching of stereochemical aspects of drug action

The development of innovative strategies to teach key stereochemical concepts has been an ongoing, evolutionary process at our University. Initially, the ALCHEMY molecular modeling program was used to give demonstrations within the lecture hall setting. While successful, these demonstrations did not allow student active learning. Thus, a more interactive approach was sought. To this end, a tutorial manual composed of five self-paced, computer exercises was developed. These exercises also utilize the ALCHEMY molecular modeling program and have been used for the past two years. Students work in small groups and complete these exercises in Duquesne University’s School of Pharmacy Computer Laboratory under the supervision of a teaching assistant or the course instructor. The success of this method was assessed using student evaluations and examination questions. Overall, this teaching method has been well received and appears to increase the students ’ understanding of stereochemical concepts as they relate to drug action. COURSE INFORMATION Medicinal chemistry at Duquesne University is a required two semester sequence of courses (PHCHM 313 and PHCHM 314) which is currently taught in the fourth year of a five year BS pharmacy program. These four credit courses are taught on a yearly basis and have had enrollments over the last six years ranging from 115 to 155 per year. One of the main objectives of these courses is to impart to students a thorough under-standing of the basic chemical concepts which govern the activity of all pharmacological agents. These concepts are introduced early in the first semester course and are then reinforced and extensively applied throughout both semes-ters. To this end, a series of five, self-paced, computer-aided laboratory exercises utilizing the ALCHEMY III3 molecular modeling program have been developed to supplement lec-tures on the effects of stereochemistry on receptor fit and drug 1 Manuscript based on a submission to the Council of Faculties Innovations in Teaching competition