This course examines the biophysical and biochemical concepts of molecular interactions and their application for rational drug design.
Drugs are small ligand molecules that interact with macromolecular surfaces.
Strength and specificity of ligand binding are determined by local electrostatic interactions, 'molecular shape', and structural flexibility. Lukas Buehler, received a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Basel, Switzerland. He is a lecturer at the Biology Department at UCSD and has extensive research experience in electrophysiology, self-assembly systems, and drug discovery at the Scripps Research Institute and The R.W.Johnson Pharmaceutical Research Institute. Presentations are based on a written essay. An essay of 3-5 pages should be submitted no later than the last day of class.