Virtual education for medicinal chemistry: Early experiences in industrial-academic partnership for continuous learning.

Advances in computer technology, particularly as regards the Internet, and the increased accessibility of this medium, have proved powerful tools for use in distance learning based educational projects. The Structure Based Dr ug Design course was conceived as an accredited postgraduate qualification, for which the primary course delivery would be electronic, with appropriat e supporting facilities also provided. This article documents the strategy behind the course design and implementation. It also highlights some of the opportunities and some of the challenges which were overcome during the in stallation and execution of the project.