LibGuides: Chem 131: Research your Molecule Basics

Resources

Websites
Library Resources

Helpful Web Resources for your Research Assignment:

Click on the tab "Library Resources" (above, next to "Websites") to find additional useful research tools.

PubChem
From the National Institute of Health. Type in your medical molecule. Then click on an article title to open the full report. On the right of the article, the table of contents takes you to the range of topics addressed.
RXlist
Find info on prescription medications. Click on the magnifying glass for search bar.
MolView
Use MolView for 2D and 3D models of your molecules.
NIST Chemistry WebBook
Find information on your medical molecule in the NIST chemistry workbook. Click on SEARCH at the top of the page and select NAME from the dropdown menu. Type in the name of your molecule and search.
Medicines.org.uk
This site has a shelf-life for many medicines. It also has dosage information and details about the distribution methods for the drug (i.e. IV infusion, tablet, etc).
Drug Bank online
The mode of action and half-life information can usually be found on this website.

Consumer Health Info Resources:

Information for the general public is a great place to start your research. Sources will be accessible and practical. Note that one source will likely not address all your questions.

Consumer Health Complete (EBSCO) This link opens in a new window
"Supports the information needs of patients and fosters an overall understanding of health-related topics. This resource provides content covering health and wellness topics from mainstream medicine to the many perspectives of complementary and holistic medicine."

Healthcare Databases for Professionals:

These resources contain current research articles, health care reports, and other information for healthcare workers.

Note that you can limit by source type. Try magazines and CEUs (continuing education units) for more practical and accessible sources. Academic journals will be a good source for current research.

CINAHL Ultimate (EBSCO) This link opens in a new window
CINAHL, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, is a comprehensive source of peer-reviewed and professional literature for nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy and other allied health professions. CINAHL Ultimate offers over 900 full-text journals and indexing for thousands more.
Tips: How to search CINAHL
Health and Medicine Collection (ProQuest) This link opens in a new window
Search ProQuest’s Health and Medicine collection. This collection includes ProQuest Family Health, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source and ProQuest Research Library: Health & Medicine.

You Will Need to Know

Research Required!

Ultimately for this project, you will need to answer a range of questions about your chosen molecule. That takes research!

Use resources listed on the pages of this guide to research your molecule.

Be sure to look at the complete assignment requirements in your Canvas classroom. Among other things, you need to learn:

the molecular structure
brand names of the medical molecule
field(s) of medicine that utilize this medical molecule
how the molecule is used
what the molecule does
how the molecule works - its metabolic pathways and mode of operation
what systems the molecule impacts
what dosage is recommended - for different groups, including, if relevant, different age groups, genders, races, health (such as immunocompromised individuals)
side effects
lethal dosage
animal testing
shelf life