Drug Discovery and Toxicology

Why choose this course?

• You'll benefit from being taught by expert staff with pharmaceutical industry research and development and toxicology experience
• We have strong links to big pharma research sites nearby which provide you with the opportunity for numerous guest lecturers from the industry as well as networking opportunities
• Our state of the art Science Building provides excellent facilities for laboratory based studies, including QPCR, cell culture, protein analysis, isolated tissue studies, immunohistochemistry
• Upon graduation, you'll be equipped for working in a wide range of roles in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

What will I study?

Throughout the course, you'll have the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of the drug discovery process and the role of toxicology in developing safe medicines.

The course comprises four taught modules and a project module. In Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology students study the essential aspects of these topics that provide a necessary background for contemporary drug discovery. A focus on immunology reflects the growing understanding of the contribution of this area to disease and hence novel opportunities for drug discovery.

The Translational Medicine module explores the process of drug discovery with a particular emphasis on translation, developing molecules that will eventually work in human patients as well as in a laboratory. Molecular Medicine explores with he emphasis on recent examples of chemical and biological approaches to developing 21st Century medicines.

Contemporary Topics in Drug Discovery and Toxicology provides a focus on recent developments in drug safety science. A problem-based learning approach is integral to develop advanced critical analysis and group working skills in students' on the programme.

You'll have the opportunity to complete a laboratory based research project in you chosen area of interest ranging across options in toxicology and pharmacology of drug discovery.

Currently available projects include:

• Gastrointestinal pharmacology
• Angiogenesis
• Cancer
• Molecular pharmacology of vascular disease
• Diabetic neuropathic pain
• Parkinson's Disease
• Toxicology of new smoking devices
• Toxicology of novel psychoactive substances

About the course

This course gives you in-depth knowledge of the scientific basis of drug discovery with a particular emphasis on toxicology, the science behind the safety of drugs. We make full use of our geographical location at the heart of the UK pharmaceutical industry attracting numerous expert contributions from industry professionals (e.g. GSK, AZ). 

The course will cover all aspects of new medicine research and development from identifying novel targets through drug screening to clinical trials of candidate medicines. With our excellent facilities, emphasis on practical work, and teaching underpinned by the latest research, you'll be qualified for research and development positions in pharmaceutical companies including discovery biology and toxicology, as well as a wide range of other non-laboratory roles in industry.

Alternatively, consider taking our other MSc Drug Discovery and Toxicology routes:

• MSc Drug Discovery and Toxicology with Advanced Research
• MSc Drug Discovery and Toxicology with Placement Year

Completion of a four year bachelors degree with GPA 2.4 or above.

What job can I get?

Upon graduation, you may go on to work in a broad range of fields including: toxicology research, pharmaceutical research, clinical trials, clinical toxicology, forensic toxicology, food safety, academia research, medical writing/science journalism, UK government departments, education, or patent law. Alternatively, you may also use the MSc in Drug Discovery and Toxicology to underpin an application to study for a research degree such as MRes, MSc by Research, or a PhD in a related field.

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When you have completed your pdf application form, please send it to:

admppc@herts.ac.uk

Complex Admissions
University of Hertfordshire
Hatfield
Hertfordshire
AL10 9AB
UK