title: Design and implementation of a laboratory-based drug design and synthesis advanced pharmacy practice experience.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide students with an opportunity to participate in medicinal chemistry research within the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum.
  
  
  METHODS
  We designed and implemented a 3-course sequence in drug design or drug synthesis for pharmacy students consisting of a 1-month advanced elective followed by two 1-month research advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs). To maximize student involvement, this 3-course sequence was offered to third-year and fourth-year students twice per calendar year.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Students were evaluated based on their commitment to the project's success, productivity, and professionalism. Students also evaluated the course sequence using a 14-item course evaluation rubric. Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Students found the experience to be a valuable component of their pharmacy curriculum.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We successfully designed and implemented a 3-course research sequence that allows PharmD students in the traditional 4-year program to participate in drug design and synthesis research. Students report the sequence enhanced their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills and helped them develop as independent learners. Based on the success achieved with this sequence, efforts are underway to develop research APPEs in other areas of the pharmaceutical sciences.
authors.affiliation: Union University School of Pharmacy, Jackson, Tennessee.
authors.forename: Ashok
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Philip
authors.affiliation: Union University School of Pharmacy, Jackson, Tennessee.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stephens
authors.affiliation: Union University School of Pharmacy, Jackson, Tennessee.
authors.forename: Sheila L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.affiliation: Union University School of Pharmacy, Jackson, Tennessee.
authors.forename: E Blake
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Watkins
mesh_terms: D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / Q000193:education*; D015195:Drug Design; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D024382:Professional Role; D012106:Research / Q000458:organization & administration*
keywords: APPE; drug design; medicinal chemistry; research; synthesis