Course detail

Chemoinformatics

FEKT-MPAN-CHMAcad. year: 2026/2027

The course introduces students to the basics of working with chemical and protein databases, visualization of biomolecular structures and the use of web tools in the field of molecular modeling. Emphasis is placed on the preparation of proteins and ligands, molecular docking, virtual screening and homology modeling. Students will also learn about pharmacophore generation, QSAR modeling, evaluation of ADMET properties and molecular dynamics. The course also includes the solution of a semester project in the form of consultations and a final presentation. 

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

4

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Aims

The aim of the course is to introduce students to modern methods of computer-aided drug design and work with biomolecular data. The student will acquire skills in the preparation of structures, molecular docking, virtual screening and creation of prediction models. They will learn to use databases, visualization tools and specialized software for the analysis of biologically active substances. They will understand the principles of pharmacophore modeling, QSAR and ADMET evaluation of properties. Emphasis is placed on practical project solutions and interpretation of the achieved results. 

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Criteria for obtaining credit:
- obtain a total of at least 20 points from all scored activities of the semester
- complete at least 7 out of 8 continuous scored activities (i.e. protocols from computer exercises) (max. 16 points)
- develop and defend a project (max. 24 points)
Exercises are mandatory, one absence is allowed. Another absence is possible only for health reasons, immediately excused (with confirmation from a doctor). Compensation for missed exercises is possible in the last week of the semester. Only students with credit can register for the oral final exam
To successfully complete the course, it is necessary to obtain at least 30 points from the final exam. The final score is determined from the points obtained during the semester (max. 40 points) and from the final exam (max. 60 points). The final exams will be held in form of viva examination.  

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

D. C. Young: Computational Drug Design. Wiley, 2009.

Recommended reading

A. R. Leach: Molecular Modelling - Principles and Applications (2 edition). Pearson Education, 2001.
D. C. Young: Computational Chemistry, a Practical Guide for Applying Techniques to Real World Problems. Wiley, 2001.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme MPA-BTB Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
  • Programme MPCN-BTB Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

22 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

1. Overview of Cheminformatics
2. Cheminformatics: Concepts and Methods
3. Molecular Docking and its applications in Computer-Aided Drug Design
4. Structure & Ligand Based Virtual Screening
5. Drug Designing Using Homology Modeling
6. Introduction to Pharmacophores
7. Fundamentals of QSAR Modeling
8. In-Silico ADMET
9. Fundamentals of Molecular Dynamics
10. Immunological and Biological Background to Cheminformatics
11. Advances in Genomics and Proteomics vs Drug and Vaccine Development 

Exercise in computer lab

18 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

1. Introduction of Chemical and Protein Databases. Visualization of Protein and Biological Webservers
2. Protein and Ligand Preparation for Molecular Docking
3. Molecular Docking
4. Virtual Screening
5. Homology Modeling
6. Pharmacophore Generation and its usage in Virtual Screening
7. QSAR and Model Generation
8. In-Selected ADMET on the selected molecules
9. Molecular Dynamics on the docked Complexes.
10. Project briefing and consultation_I
11. Project briefing and consultation_II
12. Project briefing and consultation_III
13. Final Presentation, Missed Exercises and Consultation 

Project

8 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

Work on a group project (1-3 member groups).
Individual preparation for completion
Final preparation for the oral exam from the provided study materials (lecture and exercise presentations),
own notes and reports prepared for computer exercises, or from basic literature.  

Individual preparation for excercises

26 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Individual preparation for a final exam

25 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

Students complete the course with a final exam, for which they prepare using materials provided by the supervisor (lectures and exercises in seminars).