The Drug Discovery Skills course is run by the Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics in conjunction with the pharmaceutical industry. The programme consists of five main taught modules and an industry-based research project. Graduates of the course mainly progress to careers in the pharmaceutical industry or further study for a PhD. Bursaries of £1000 will be available for the academic year 2013-2014.
KEY BENEFITS
- Industry-based research project.
- High employability factor.
- Located in the heart of London.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Our graduates mainly gain employment in the pharmaceutical industry, or go on to study for a PhD.
Programme leader/s
Professor Stuart Bevan
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
One year FT, September to September.
Location
Guy's Campus and five/six months in industry.
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
School of Biomedical Sciences
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Closing date
1 June 2013.
Intake
10 FT.
Fees
FT Home: £10500 (2013)
FT Overseas: £19000 (2013)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Postgraduate Admissions Centre at the Guy's Campus, tel 020 7848 8393
Email
Website
PURPOSE
To equip biomedical/life science graduate students with value-added skills which will enhance their understanding of, and technical expertise in, the drug discovery process. To enhance employability in the pharmaceutical industry.
DESCRIPTION
The programme is run by the Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics in conjunction with the pharmaceutical industry. Subjects covered include:
- Target/lead identification
- Preclinical studies
- Clinical studies
- Regulatory affairs
- Intellectual property
- Pharmacokinetics/metabolism.
Teaching methods include:
- Seminars
- Hands-on practicals
- Workshops
- A 5-6 month industry-based research project.
The standard and focus of the programme is maintained through an advisory board containing several representatives from industry.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
Please see the modules list for information.
Indicative non-core content
Please see the modules list for information.
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
Teaching methods include: seminars, practicals, workshops, and a drug discovery research project usually in industry. The standard and focus of the programme is maintained through an advisory board containing several industry representatives. Assessment is via written test; oral test/poster; essay; presentation; practical report; written exam; written diary; and a dissertation.
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Module code: 7BBMM002
Credit level: 7
This modules aims to allow graduates to carry out an in-depth literature survey into the discovery and development of a known therapeutic agent or class of therapeutic agents and to allow graduates the opportunity to undertake an investigative project both as an individual and as part of a team.
Module code: 7BBMM001
Credit level: 7
This component aims to: provide graduates with practical and personal skills considered essential by the pharmaceutical industry in prospective employees who will be involved in drug discovery and development; provide practical experience in, and an understanding of, the major experimental techniques used in the design and discovery of new drugs; and develop scientists who possess key skills required for independent evaluation of information and for the presentation of scientific data.
Module code: 7BBMM003
Credit level: 7
This component aims to: develop scientists who are focused on drug discovery and development and who possess the key skills required for independent evaluation of data, for critical evaluation of the scientific literature, and for the writing of scientific reports; develop scientists who are capable of completing a research project investigating drug action and/or development, and presenting this knowledge in a Masters level dissertation.
Module code: 7BBMM004
Credit level: 7
This component aims to: provide graduates with an in-depth understanding of the procedures and practices employed within the pharmaceutical industry in the discovery and development of new drugs; expose graduates to experts from the pharmaceutical industry to facilitate discussion of topics of importance relating to drug discovery.
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
Minimum 2:1 BSc first degree in biomedical/life sciences or an overseas equivalent, with evidence of a significant interest in pharmacology.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
You will be admitted on the basis of your academic ability, together with recommendations from academic referees. We hold an annual open day which will provide you with an opportunity to view the facilities.
Places on this programme are limited and early application is recommended.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
A personal statement and full transcripts for all degrees you have undertaken are required. Please also list A-level subjects and the grades achieved. The transcript for each degree should list all modules taken and the grades achieved on each. Applicants who are still enrolled on a course should supply partial transcripts of the modules taken and grades achieved so far and should also supply a list of the modules that are currently being taken. Applicants who have not yet graduated should state the date when results are expected.
FUNDING
Self-funded. Bursaries of £1000 will be available for the academic year 2013-14.
Related programme student profile
Pharmaceutical Technology MSc
What a learning experience it has been for me at King’s! Whether it was the teaching delivered by the finest brains in the world, or interacting with students from different parts of the world, the experience has been an enriching one. In fact it is not merely because of the facilities that are offered at King’s but also its superb faculty that I recommend King’s to everyone.
Academics are extremely supportive. They not only encourage you to read widely, to research thoroughly and to question what you learn at every opportunity but they constantly push you to achieve your best and still go beyond.
At Kings it’s not only hard work but a lot of fun too. Located in the heart of London, it offers a myriad of opportunities to suit every taste. From the wonderful museums, sports stadiums, movie theatres, multi-cuisine restaurants, blooming gardens and quaint little streets for a quiet stroll, London has it all.