The training provided by the Radiopharmaceutics & PET Radiochemistry MSc programme will equip you to work as a radiopharmaceutical scientist in a PET radiochemistry centre (cyclotron unit) or a conventional radiopharmacy, to provide diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals to nuclear medicine centres or to study for a PhD.
KEY BENEFITS
- The only MSc level course in PET Radiochemistry subject worldwide.
- Includes a two-week work experience placement in a hospital, PET centre or industrial cyclotron centre.
- Multidisciplinary programme open to graduates in various science disciplines: chemists, bio-scientists, physicists, pharmacists.
- Located in the heart of London.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Expected destinations are the NHS and commercial nuclear medicine services, the pharmaceutical industry or PhD research.
Programme leader/s
Professor Philip Blower
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
One year FT, two years PT, September to September.
Location
St Thomas' and Waterloo campuses. Research projects and work placements may be at other locations.
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
School of Medicine
Closing date
30 June 2013.
Intake
Approximately 10 FT, 5 PT.
Fees
PT Home: £3950 (2013); PG Dip £2,630
PT Overseas: £10300 (2013); PG Dip £6,865
FT Home: £7900 (2013); PG Dip £5,265
FT Overseas: £20600 (2013); PG Dip £13,730
CONTACTS
Contact information
Hans-Jörg Küller Rabaça
Tel: 020 7188 7188 extn. 52503
Professor Phil Blower
Tel: 020 7188 9513
Email
Website
PURPOSE
To educate, train and equip students from a chemistry, pharmacy or related background to enter employment as radiopharmaceutical scientists in a PET radiochemistry centre (cyclotron unit) or in a conventional radiopharmacy, to provide diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals to nuclear medicine centres or specialised commercial centres, or to study for PhD in this field.
DESCRIPTION
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.
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.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
Module 1 - Introduction to Medical Imaging Sciences
Module 2 - Radiopharmacology Formulation And Manufacture
Module 5 - Research Project.
Indicative non-core content
Module 3a - Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry
or
Module 3b - Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry and Radiopharmaceutical Design.
Module 4a - Cyclotron Engineering and Nuclear Chemistry
or
Module 4b - Radiopharmaceuticals in Practice.
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
Written examinations (modules 1, 2, 3a, 3b and 4a); practical laboratory work and reports (modules 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 4a, and 5); case studies and oral presentation (module 4b); workshops (all modules); audio-visual presentations (all modules); laboratory or library-based research project (module 5).
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Module code: 7MIGEP14
Credit level: 7
- To provide the fundamentals of radiopharmaceutical science, nuclear chemistry and show its application in the design and formulation of radiopharmaceuticals
- To give an overview and appreciation of radiation dosimetry and hazards and their control
- To provide a fundamental understanding of current imaging modalities and functional, molecular and cellular imaging.
- To provide students with a detailed knowledge and understanding of research methods that are relevant to Imaging Sciences.
- To provide students with the necessary skills to critically appraise published literature on imaging research techniques and findings.
- To provide students with the skills and knowledge to appraise the latest advances in scientific scholarship and the needs of the community in the area of Imaging Sciences.
- To provide students with an understanding of the current regulatory framework required for translational imaging research
- To prepare a foundation for more detailed studies of radiopharmaceutics and radiochemistry topics for subsequent modules.
Module code: 7MISPR02
Credit level: 7
The aim of the course is:
- To provide the fundamental principles of radiopharmacology and show their application in the design and formulation of radiopharmaceuticals
- To give an understanding of the biological effects of ionising radiation
- To give an understanding of current research and strategies employed in transport & targeting of radiopharmaceuticals (ADME)
- To provide a rational understanding of radiation dosimetry formalisms and computation methods
- To explore the relations between radiation physics & biology and their practitioners
- To provide an introduction to experimental methods: in vitro and in vivo
- To survey current applications of radiopharmaceuticals and radiotracers in biological & drug research
Module code: 7MISPR05
Credit level: 7
This course provides:
- An opportunity to integrate knowledge, practical and transferable skills developed in the programme into an independent research project;
- To provide opportunity to carry out an original and independent research project, either by providing resources within KCL or in partnership with host institutions;
- 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.
Module code: 7MISR04A
Credit level: 7
The aims of this course are to
- To explain the design and operation of cyclotrons and targets
- To explain the theory of nuclear reactions taking place in cyclotrons and nuclear reactors, and the decay processes of radionuclides
- To describe the production routes to key medical radionuclides
- To engender awareness of the importance of radiation protection and GMP issues
- To provide hands on experience of radionuclide production in a commercial or academic or hospital cyclotron
Module code: 7MISR03A
Credit level: 7
The aims of this course are:
- 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
- To show how the components of radiopharmaceuticals (organic precursors, chelating agents, biological molecules especially proteins and peptides, radionuclides) are synthesized and analysed
- To provide detailed knowledge of the analytical methods used to characterize precursors and radiopharmaceuticals in terms of structure, labelling efficiency, stability
- To provide opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the above synthetic and analytical methods
- To show the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve advances in radiopharmaceutical design and clinical use
- To engender an appreciation of the importance of Good Manufacturing Practice in the production of radiopharmaceuticals
- To illustrate the R&D process leading to clinical application of radiopharmaceuticals
- To encourage literature searching and literature awareness
Module code: 7MISR03B
Credit level: 7
The aims of this course are to:
- 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;
- To show how radiopharmaceuticals are formulated, radiolabelled and analysed;
- To provide detailed knowledge of the analytical methods used to characterize radiopharmaceuticals in terms of purity, labelling efficiency, stability;
- To provide opportunity to gain hands-on experience with radio analytical methods;
- To show the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve advances in radiopharmaceutical design and clinical use;
- To deliver a detailed theoretical and practical knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice in the production of radiopharmaceuticals;
- To encourage literature searching and awareness.
Module code: 7MISR04B
Credit level: 7
- To provide knowledge of specific classes of radiopharmaceuticals in clinical use
- 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.)
- To exemplify principles taught in Radiopharmacology modules using specific detailed cases
- To provide hands on experience of radiopharmacy work using a work placement in a conventional hospital radiopharmacy
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
At least a 2:2 degree, or equivalent, in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, pharmacy or biochemistry; other related subjects such as physics, radiography or medicine may be considered, if appropriate graduate practical experience is demonstrated.
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
Application are considered on a first come first serve basis and therefore you are advised to apply early. All eligible applicants are interviewed.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
A personal statement should be completed.
FUNDING
Studentships and bursaries are available competitively for suitably qualified candidates, funded by the Wellcome/EPSRC Medical Engineering Centre.
Student profiles
Radiopharmaceutics & PET Radiochemistry MScWith a background in chemistry and an interest in medical imaging, the MSc in Radiopharmaceutics & PET Radiochemistry was the obvious choice for me, giving me the chance to not only experience a whole new area of chemistry that is rarely taught at undergraduate level, but also to learn about the underlying physics and biochemistry required to become an imaging scientist.
The availability of funding for the programme was an added bonus, and the links between the Department of Imaging Sciences at King's and a number of hospital departments and external industrial organisations have provided the opportunity to undertake work experience as part of the programme and the chance to meet potential employers.
After this programme, I hope to continue in the field, putting the knowledge and experience I have gained during my time at King's to use in the research and development of novel radiotracers. I believe that the MSc will provide a sound basis in radiochemistry and radiopharmacy for anyone considering a career in this rapidly expanding area of imaging science.
Radiopharmaceutics & PET Radiochemistry MSc
King's College London is the first institution to offer this programme in the UK. King's has the reputation of being one of the best universities in my chosen field of study and offers excellent tutoring and readily accessible research material. Being situated in central London, transportation to and from other parts of the city poses no problem.
Activities I have found most beneficial as part of my entire course, have been the excursions to major sites and the experience gained through placement.
I am lucky that my study at King's has been funded by my lovely parents and after my MSc course I intend putting my experience and knowledge gained to good use in one of the many nuclear medicine departments being set up in all the major hospitals in my home country.
To those considering study at this prestigious College and more so to those considering a second degree or PhD in radiopharmacy, radiochemistry or other studies, I would say King's is one of the leaders in higher education and in this field. The prospects of this course are high and more importantly its impact on medicine is and will continue to be incredibly valuable.
Staff profiles
Radiopharmaceutics & PET Radiochemistry MSc
This programme is a world first and is unique in leading to a Masters qualification in this field. It aims to train graduate chemists and pharmacists to become radiochemists and radiopharmacists, key roles needed in the emerging medical imaging specialities, such as PET, that are now becoming so important in healthcare. We set up the programme because of our own difficulties in recruitment: people with the necessary specialist skills are all too often lost down the 'brain drain' to highly paid jobs abroad.
The programme is taught on the doorstep of the Clinical PET Imaging Centre at St Thomas' Hospital, and students gain experience of radiochemistry and radiopharmacy there and at other hospitals and industrial nuclear medicine/PET centres in London and further afield.
The programme is highly interdisciplinary and is taught by chemists, physicists,
pharmacists, biologists and clinicians, all of whom are active professionals in research or clinical service in the field. The qualification can lead to work in hospitals, commercial cyclotron centres, or to PhD research opportunities. It is a mark of the importance of these skills to modern medicine that studentships and bursaries are available for this course funded by EPSRC, Cancer Research UK, the British Nuclear Medicine Society, and major international medical imaging companies.