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Drug Discovery, Survey | CTDM.X419


Drug discovery is a complex and rapidly evolving process that brings together many different fields of knowledge. While the fundamental principles of drug discovery are well known, the tools, technologies and methods used are always changing and improving. Effective drug discovery requires that professionals have an understanding of the entire process and are using the best practices.

This course introduces students to the key steps in drug discovery from choosing a target to improving drug candidates in the lab. Students will learn how various scientific methods intersect to find and develop new treatments. The course also explores current trends and special topics, including cancer drug discovery, precision medicine, and the use of artificial intelligence in research.


Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of the course, participants should be able to

  • Explain the different aspects of the drug discovery process as they are practiced in the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Discuss methods of target validation and lead optimization strategies.
  • Describe the most recent tools and techniques used for discovering new drugs.

Topics Include

  • Target identification and validation
  • * Creating arrays, multidimensional arrays, strings, StringBuilder class, primitive wrapper classes
  • Interfaces, Nested classes
  • Target selection (genomic and biopharmaceutical)
  • Lead optimization strategies
  • Preclinical development
  • Pharmacokinetics/toxicology
  • Emerging trends: leveraging AI tools in drug discovery
Have a question about this course?
Speak to a student services representative.
Call (408) 861-3860
FAQ
ENROLL EARLY!
This course is related to the following programs:

Sections Open for Enrollment:

Open Sections and Schedule
Start / End Date Quarter Units Cost Instructor
09-20-2025 to 10-11-2025 1.0 $425

TBD

Enroll

Final Date To Enroll: 09-20-2025

Schedule

Date: Start Time: End Time: Meeting Type: Location:
Sat, 09-20-2025 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Sat, 09-27-2025 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Sat, 10-04-2025 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Sat, 10-11-2025 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE