ObjectivesThis programme aims to raise to an advanced level the awareness, skills and knowledge of scientists working in the Pharmaceutical and Medical fields in relation to the formulation and design of drug carriers systems and the specific requirements of a given drug in combination with its desired pharmacological action and its intended route of administration.
Entry requirementsThis course is open to suitably qualified international and UK based graduates (a good UK Hons Degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science, Pharmacology, Physiology, Physical Science, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Genetics, Materials Science, Medicine or a related field from a recognized university. minimum of a lower second class or an oversees degree recognized by Aston University, plus two references). Students whose first language is not English must demonstrate a satisfactory command of written and spoken English before enrolment on the programme (demonstrated by an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher overall, but with no score below a 6.0).
Academic titleMaster in Science in Drug Delivery
Course descriptionThe main goal of this programme is to prepare students for an academic or industrial career in the Pharmaceutics/Drug Delivery arena – an area in considerable demand in response to the continued increase in development of highly complex and sensitive drug molecules. The programme provides specialist training and practical experience of the design and development of effective drug delivery systems, as well as promoting directly applicable skills for career and professional development. This course is designed to provide a rigorous postgraduate scheme of education and training for life science or physical science-based graduate students seeking employment in the pharmaceutical industry or at the life sciences interface. Students will gain an overview of Drug Delivery and have hands-on experience of Pharmaceutical Formulation and Drug Delivery. This will enable them to communicate across disciplinary boundaries whilst having depth in their own area. The course is also an excellent foundation for studies at the PhD level.
Outline of programme
The course is based around a core of compulsory modules and a research project that provide detailed study and practical experience in Drug Delivery and in the development of professional skills. These modules will consider the biology of disease states, designing drugs and delivery systems, research methods and exploiting your research. The supervised research project will last for approximately four months and be at the level similar to that expected for the first year of PhD studies. Examples include liposome-based drug delivery systems, strategies for enhancing drug solubility, and development of TB vaccines.
Assessment
The course is assessed by a mixture of coursework, examinations, practical work, oral and written presentations. The research project module will be assessed on the basis of a submitted project report and an oral defense of a poster.