Biomedical Sciences: Drug Design MSc at Aston University, Birmingham

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Course details

How long is the course?
12 months

Attendance pattern
Full time

Course qualification
MSc in Biomedical Sciences: Drug Design

Awarding body
Aston University

When does the course begin?
This course last started in Oct-08

Please contact the college to enquire about new start dates.

Course info
The programme provides specialist training and practical experience in the field of drug discovery, as well as promoting skills for career and professional development. This course is designed to provide a rigorous postgraduate scheme of education and training for chemistry-orientated physical science-based graduate students seeking employment in the pharmaceutical industry. Students will gain an overview of drug design and drug discovery and have hands-on experience of computer-assisted drug design and molecular modelling. This will enable them to communicate across disciplinary boundaries whist having depth in their own area. The course is also an excellent foundation for studies at the PhD level. The Masters in Biomedical Sciences: Drug Design enables the student to specialise in molecular modelling. The course is based around a core of six compulsory modules and a research project that provide detailed study and practical experience in drug design and in the development of professional skills. The topics include: Drug discovery; Computer-aided drug design; Biology of disease; Effective strategies for drug delivery; Research methods and exploiting research. The supervised research project will last for five months and be at the level expected for the first year of PhD studies. Examples of potential topics include computer based drug design, chemical synthesis of compound libraries for screening, assay development and molecularly imprinted polymers as receptor mimics.

How much will it cost?
Not known.

Assessment method
The course is assessed by a mixture of coursework, examinations, practical work and oral and written presentations. The research project module will be assessed on the basis of a submitted project report and an oral defence of a poster.

Entry Requirements
Potential students must hold at least a 2nd class honours degree in a chemistry-based subject e.g., chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacy, pharmaceutical technology or biological chemistry from a UK University, or when outside the UK a degree or qualification deemed to be at least of equivalent standing. Students whose first language is not English must demonstrate a satisfactory command of written and spoken English. For international students this is demonstrated by an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher overall, but with no score below a 6.

Where is the course held? (view on a map)
Aston University, Birmingham
Aston Triangle
Birmingham
West Midlands
B4 7ET

Venue details
Accommodation may be available to those undertaking certain learning opportunities and the institution will provide details. Childcare facilities are available on site. Early booking of sessions is strongly recommended due to high demand of limited places. Guidance and advice may be available for all aspects of student life. Facilities/Support are available for students with hearing impairment. Facilities/Support are available for students whose main language is not English. Facilities/Support are available for students with learning difficulties. Facilities/Support are available for students with restricted mobility. Facilities/Support are available for students with visual impairment.