Entry requirementsPotential students must hold at least a 2nd class honours degree in a chemistry-based subject e.g., chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacy, pharmaceutical technology or biological chemistry from a UK University, or when outside the UK a degree or qualification deemed to be at least of equivalent standing. Students whose first language is not English must demonstrate a satisfactory command of written and spoken English (demonstrated by an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher overall, but with no score below 6.0).
Academic titleMaster in Science in Drug Design
Course descriptionIntroduction
The programme provides specialist training and practical experience in the field of drug design, as well as promoting skills for career and professional development. This course is designed to provide a rigorous postgraduate scheme of education and training for chemistry orientated physical science-based graduate students seeking employment in the pharmaceutical industry. Students will gain an overview of drug design and drug discovery and have hands-on experience of computer assisted drug design and molecular modelling. This will enable them to communicate across disciplinary boundaries whist having depth in their own area. The course is also an excellent foundation for studies at the PhD level.
Outline of programme
The Masters in Drug Design enables the student to specialise in molecular modelling.
The course is based around a core of six compulsory modules and a research project that provide detailed study and practical experience in drug design and in the development of professional skills. The topics include:
* Drug discovery
* Computer-aided drug design
* Biology of disease
* Effective strategies for drug delivery
* Research methods and exploiting research.
The supervised research project will last for five months and be at the level expected for the first year of PhD studies. Examples of potential topics include computer-based drug design, chemical synthesis of compound libraries for screening and assay development.
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.