Pharmacology MSc

About the course

This programme gives you in-depth knowledge of the scientific basis of drug discovery and development, which has revolutionised the pharmaceutical industry in recent years. Our involvement with international drug companies has allowed us to keep our courses fully up-to-date. With our excellent facilities, emphasis on practical work, and teaching underpinned by the latest research, you will be qualified for research and development positions in pharmaceutical companies, as well as a wide range of other roles in industry.

The programme will have a heavy emphasis on practical work and will cover the following areas:

• Pharmacological and relevant physiological principles
• Molecular biology techniques in pharmacology
• The application of bioinformatics to drug discovery
• Quantitative aspects of pharmacology
• Case studies in drug discovery
• Molecular medicine
• Neuro-degenerative diseases
• Safety evaluation
• Research project

 

You will undertake a practical project as part of your MSc enabling you to use our excellent facilities and to gain experience working alongside researchers in our Pharmacology Research Group. Current research projects include studies in:

• Gastrointestinal pharmacology, particularly with respect to diabetes
• Angiogenesis
• Cancer
• Cannabinoids as therapeutic agents
• Molecular pharmacology of vascular disease
• Modelling pharmacokinetics

Why choose this course?

• This is an intensive programme that will provide training in pharmacology, molecular biology and their application to drug discovery, using a problem based learning approach
• You will receive training in a range of pharmacological and molecular practical techniques as well as completing a research project
• Upon completion, you will be able to enter a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry or pursue further postgraduate research

Study routes

• Full Time, 1 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

Graduates of the programme will be qualified for research and development positions in the pharmaceutical industries, to progress to a research degree or to consider regulatory, marketing or management roles in industry.

Teaching methods

Upon entering the programme, students are provided with introductory material to facilitate their transition to Master's level study. Core Molecular Biology is taught in parallel with Core Pharmacology, which both involve a high proportion of practical work. Students will experience a range of learning styles including conventional lectures, workshops and problem based learning. Teaching in Molecular Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology & Drug Development uses case studies to foster skills such as working independently or as part of a team, demonstrating initiative and problem solving. All assessments are coursework only, which are strategically phased throughout the course to provide regular feedback.

Professional Accreditations

Not Applicable

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Core Molecular Biology

  DNA structure and function: genome complexity, structure of genes, DNA replication, RNA and protein synthesis, introduction to the control of gene expression. Cell molecular biology: signal transduction mechanisms, eukaryotic gene control. Principles of basic genetics, protein structure and function. Recombinant DNA technology: basic strategy - cutting and joining DNA, library screening, DNA sequencing, polymerase chain reaction, analysis of gene/transgene expression, methods for gene transfer and applications, transgenic organisms. Genomics: Physical mapping including sequencing strategies. Expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Genome databases etc. Practical bioinformatics: gene prediction, searching for cis elements, characterization of restriction sites, DNA and protein primary databases (file formats etc), searching primary databases, genome databases, PCR primer design, multiple sequence alignments and phylogenetic analysis, protein classification and structure prediction.

• Core Pharmacology

  Mechanisms of drug action,quantitative aspects of drug-receptor interactions, time course of drug action, drugs and the cardiovascular and renal system, drugs and the nervous system, drug action on smooth muscle, chemotherapeutic drugs. Practicals - dose-response analysis of agonist and antagonist drugs, computer simulation of time course of drug action, analysis of drug action on the autonomic nervous system, behavioural actions of drugs, identifing drug targets by molecular techniques. This module will provide an advanced understanding of the physiological bases of selected diseases and identify known and potential molecular targets for future drug therapy. The theories of the drug receptor interactions and factors determining the time course of drug action (pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics) will be considered in relation to their role in predicting the potential of new compounds as potential therapeutic agents. Major therapeutic areas considered will be cardiovascular renal, nervous system and chemotherapy. Practical experience in physiological pharmacology techniques and molecular and biochemical measures of drug action will be gained in laboratory sessions.

• Core Pharmacology

  Molecular biology of disease Determinants of disease; from genes to the environment - a discussion using selected examples. Screening (prenatal and population), genetic counselling and ethics. Two case studies will be undertaken using a group problem-based learning approach. Areas for study may include (others may be chosen if the student has a specific interest)- * selected animal disorders (eg scrapie, foot and mouth) * human infectious diseases (microbial or viral) * cancer * haematological and cardiovascular disorders * neurological disorders * immunological and autoimmune disorders * metabolic disorders * selected monogenic disorders or polygenic disorders * molecular biology in the pharmaceutical industry. * molecular biology techniques in the use of drugs. One case study will be undertaken using a group problem-based learning approach based on material covered in this section.

• Molecular Medicine

  Molecular biology of disease Determinants of disease; from genes to the environment - a discussion using selected examples. Screening (prenatal and population), genetic counselling and ethics. Two case studies will be undertaken using a group problem-based learning approach. Areas for study may include (others may be chosen if the student has a specific interest)- * selected animal disorders (eg scrapie, foot and mouth) * human infectious diseases (microbial or viral) * cancer * haematological and cardiovascular disorders * neurological disorders * immunological and autoimmune disorders * metabolic disorders * selected monogenic disorders or polygenic disorders * molecular biology in the pharmaceutical industry. * molecular biology techniques in the use of drugs. One case study will be undertaken using a group problem-based learning approach based on material covered in this section.

• Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Development

• Project - Mol Biol, Biotech, Pharmacology & Bioinformatics

  Research methodology - the formulation and testing of hypotheses; experimental design and associated statistical analysis; questionnaire design; data analysis and the assessment of significance. Safety & risk assessment in the laboratory. Information seeking - the nature of scientific literature; the internet, textbooks, review literature and research literature; the use of databases; performance of a literature search. The research project - identification of a research field; the construction of a literature review; identification of the project aim and the specific problems to be addressed; the formulation of an hypothesis; the testing of an hypothesis, the design of investigative methods and the adoption of relevant statistical analysis; analysis and interpretation of data and drawing of conclusions; reassessment of the hypothesis, the relevance of the findings to current knowledge; production of a report; defence of the report.

Optional

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £6,700 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Full time: £11,000 for the 2013 academic year

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply