Course description
Programme description
- the only MSc level course in PET radiochemistry subject worldwide.
- two-week work experience placement in hospital, PET centre or industrial cyclotron centre.
- 10 week research project.
The MSc in Radiopharmaceutics & PET Radiochemistry at King’s College London is unique, not only in the UK but worldwide. Radiopharmaceutics is a growing international industry facing a major skills shortage – graduates from this programme are in demand – whether in hospitals, preparing radiopharmaceuticals for cancer patients, in research in universities or industry or in the drug industry which is increasingly using PET (Positron Electron Tomography) as a major drug development tool.
Cancer Research UK is one of the major sponsors of the programme with industry support from GE Healthcare; Tyco; Siemens Medical and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The programme provides opportunities for students to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in the principles and practice of radiopharmaceutical science; manufacturing and quality assurance of radiopharmaceuticals; appreciation of the design and operation of accelerator machines including cyclotrons; synthesis of radiopharmaceuticals from cyclotron-produced radionuclides; application of radiopharmaceuticals in biomedical research and clinical nuclear medicine.
Pathways
Two paths of study are offered: PET Radiochemistry (modules 1, 2, 3a, 4a and 5), suitable for those interested in a research career in the field or work in a PET radiochemistry centre; and Radiopharmaceutical Science (modules 1,2,3b, 4b and 5) to suit those interested in a career in hospital radiopharmacy. Certificate and diploma pathways are being designed.
Programme format and assessment
Written examinations (modules 1, 2, 3 and 4a); workshops (all modules); practical laboratory work and reports (modules 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 4a, 5): audiovisual presentations (all modules); laboratory or library-based research project.
Programme modules for MSc, PG Dip Radiopharmaceutics & PET Radiochemistry
Radiopharmaceutical Science and Practice (Core Module)
The aim of this course is to: 1. To provide the fundamentals of radiopharmaceutical science and nuclear chemistry and show its application in the design and formulation of radiopharmaceuticals 2. To give an overview of current practice and problems in radiopharmacy and nuclear medicine 3. To give an overview and appreciation of radiation dosimetry and hazards and their control
Radiopharmacology (Core Module)
The aim of the course is: 1. To provide the fundamental principles of radiopharmacology and show their application in the design and formulation of radiopharmaceuticals 2. To give an understanding of the biological effects of ionising radiation 3. To give an understanding of current research and strategies employed in transport & targeting of radiopharmaceuticals.(ADME) 4. To provide a rational understanding of radiation dosimetry formalisms and computation methods 5. To explore the relations between radiation physics & biology and their practitioners 6. To provide an introduction to experimental methods: in vitro and in vivo, 7. To survey current applications of radiopharmaceuticals and radiotracers in biological & drug research
Research Project - Radiopharmaceutics & PET Radiochemistry (Core Module)
This course provides: 1. An opportunity to integrate knowledge, practical and transferable skills developed in the programme into an independent research project; 2. To provide opportunity to carry out an original and independent research project, either by providing resources within KCL or in partnership with host institutions; 3. To provide experience in the selection, design, execution and reporting of the project, in partnership with a placement supervisor if the project is conducted on a placement basis.
Cyclotron Engineering and Nuclear Chemistry
The aims of this course are to 1. To explain the design and operation of cyclotrons and targets; 2. To explain the theory of nuclear reactions taking place in cyclotrons and nuclear reactors, and the decay processes of radionuclides; 3. To describe the production routes to key medical radionuclides; 4. To engender awareness of the importance of radiation protection and GMP issues; 5. To provide hands on experience of radionuclide production in a commercial or academic or hospital cyclotron.
Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry
The aims of this course are: 1. To show how positron, gamma and particle emitting radiopharmaceuticals are designed, synthesized and analysed, in relation to the properties of the radionuclide and the biological target 2. To show how the components of radiopharmaceuticals (organic precursors, chelating agents, biological molecules especially proteins and peptides, radionuclides) are synthesized and analysed 3. To provide detailed knowledge of the analytical methods used to characterize precursors and radiopharmaceuticals in terms of structure, labelling efficiency, stability 4. To provide opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the above synthetic and analytical methods 5. To show the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve advances in radiopharmaceutical design and clinical use 6. To engender an appreciation of the importance of Good Manufacturing Practice in the production of radiopharmaceuticals 7. To illustrate the R&D process leading to clinical application of radiopharmaceuticals 8. To encourage literature searching and literature awareness
Radiopharmaceutical Design, Formulation and Manufacturing
The aims of this course are to: 1. To show how positron, gamma and particle emitting radiopharmaceuticals are designed, synthesized and analysed, in relation to the properties of the radionuclide and the biological target; 2. To show how radiopharmaceuticals are formulated, radiolabelled and analysed; 3. To provide detailed knowledge of the analytical methods used to characterize radiopharmaceuticals in terms of purity, labelling efficiency, stability; 4. To provide opportunity to gain hands-on experience with radio analytical methods; 5. To show the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve advances in radiopharmaceutical design and clinical use; 6. To deliver a detailed theoretical and practical knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice in the production of radiopharmaceuticals; 7. To encourage literature searching and awareness.
Radiopharmaceuticals in practice
1. To provide knowledge of specific classes of radiopharmaceuticals in clinical use; 2 To engender interdisciplinary awareness through a series of case studies of the development of selected examples of radiopharmaceuticals from all viewpoints (medical need, biology, physics, chemistry, GMP, radiation protection, patient, cost etc.); 3. To exemplify principles taught in Radiopharmacology modules using specific detailed cases; 4. To provide hands on experience of radiopharmacy work using a work placement in a conventional hospital radiopharmacy.
Duration
One calendar year FT or two calendar years PT, September to September
