Radiopharmaceutics & PET Radiochemistry

MSc

Part Time, Full Time

| Admissions status: Open

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, 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.

MODULES

More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.

Introduction to Medical Imaging Sciences - Required

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.

Radiopharmacology - Required

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

Research Project - Radiopharmaceutics & PET Radiochemistry - Required

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.

Cyclotron Engineering And Nuclear Chemistry - Optional

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

Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry - Optional

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

Radiopharmaceutical Design, Formulation and Manufacturing - Optional

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.

Radiopharmaceuticals In Practice - Optional

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

KEY FACTS

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.

Student destinations