MSc Drug Design * Open for application 09/2013*

MSc Drug Design UCL London The post genomics era has brought a basic change in traditional drug discovery. This programme reflects the rapid changes in this subject in the last few years. Students will investigate the approaches and methods of modern drug design and discovery, particularly how to manage the diversity and wealth of the emerging knowledge in this area. The programme is taught by research scientists, clinicians and feature a series of "cutting edge" lectures by industry experts.

Aims and Ojectives This programme of study is available full time for one year. Major aspects are: Understanding of all aspects of drug design concepts: genomics , bioinformatics, drug target selection, structural biology, molecular modeling, intellectual property and marketing. The development of essential skills: Research approaches, methods, and techniques of modern drug design. Understanding of the industrial practices of modern drug design technologies. Providing an introduction to growth areas in drug design research, such as siRNA, stem cells, high throughput screening and scientific workflows. The syllabus may change every year, partly reflected by the Industrial trends. Research project gives students the opportunity to engage in original research and to aid their development as independent researchers. Teaching involves a mixture of lectures, tutorial and practical sessions in a dedicated teaching room. Standard industrial and renowned academic softwares/databases will be used in tutorial and practical sessions.

Modules 1. Bioinformatics and Structural Biology. 2. Target Identification, Pharmacology and High Throughput Screening. 3. Cheminformatics and Computer Drug Design. 4. Biological molecules as therapeutics – Antibodies, siRNA, and Stem Cells. 5. Biophysical screening methods, X-ray crystallography, protein NMR and phenotypic screening. 6. Fragment based drug design. 7. Target selection – Cancer, Aging, and new Targets. 8. Intellectual property, Law, Economics, and Marketing. 9. Research project - Minimum 12 weeks Expert groups in UCL - e.g. Cancer Institute, Royal Free Hospital, MRC Laboratory for Molecular Biology, Medicine, etc. External Companies and Institutes - e.g GSK, European Bioinformatics Institute, Cresset, etc. Projects cover every aspect of drug design and discovery from computational modelling to X-ray crystallography and protein NMR, from chemical synthesis to cutting edge biology of cancer or other diseases. See examples HERE.

For whom is this degree programme designed?

This degree programme is suitable for life science graduates in biological sciences, chemical sciences and pharmacy. Students will obtain a broad understanding of the drug design process. The degree programme will provide a good background for students looking to establish a career in drug design/discovery and related industries, and for industry professionals seeking to gain a greater understanding of new methodology. The knowledge and transferable skills delivered will also be useful for those intending further PhD or medical studies. This degree programme requires a full study commitment.

In Biotech, Pharma, National research laboratories, and NHS agencies. Medicinal Chemist, Biologist, Structural Biologist, Cheminformatian, Bioinformatian, Molecular Modeler, Information Specialist, Patent/IP/Knowledge Analyst. See the prospects of some of our students.

Why study at UCL

UCL (University College London), is rated the World’s 4th best university in the THE-QS 2009 rankings and is located in the centre of one of the world’s finest cities. UCL is one of Europe’s best and largest centres for biomedical research.  At The Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, we have pioneered multi-disciplinary research with a particular emphasis on translating that research into useful clinical benefit.  Our research expertise includes:

• Medicinal chemistry
• Computational drug design
• Neuronal development and signaling
• Cell cycle control
• Intensive care medicine
• Stem cells
• Mitochondrial biology
• Cancer

Qualifications

Distance learning FAQ

** Certificate for continued personal development (CPD) will be avaliable soon. Please enquire with Dr Edith Chan.

Entry requirements

A minimum of second-class Honours degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, or an appropriate professional qualification or work experience. Maximum number of students accepted onto the programme - 20 per annum. If English is not your first language, see requirement here.

Fees and funding

Fee levels for the full, 1 year MSc programme for the 2012-13 academic year are

£11,000 (home/EU) and £21,250 (overseas)

£7,500 (home/EU) and £15,000 (overseas)

There is no funding opportunity offered from this programme. For those students working to organize scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants), early application for admission is strongly encouraged (preferably by May 1st for the following academic year).

Apply online here
For distance learning option, please select 'Flexible study:distance learning option'.

Links to UCL information for prospective students on scholarships and funding.

Links to UCL and Santander Master's Scholarships.

Assessment

Eight modules of 15 credits each. Each module will consist of a written exam  (50%) and coursework (50%).
Assessment will be by unseen written examinations and coursework.
A research project will be assessed by written dissertation and a viva.

Enquiries

Dr Edith Chan
Email: edith.chan@ucl.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)20 7679 6710