Pharmaceutical Science MSc

This industry-focused module will allow students to learn and apply an integrated knowledge base of analytical techniques utilised in the pharmaceutical industry for the quality control of drugs and other products. Students will not only gain hands on experience using state-of-the art analytical equipment but will also have to critically justify, adapt and apply these  techniques to sets of real-life problems faced by pharmaceutical scientists during the validation, production, quality control and regulation of medicines.

This module will provide students with a deep understanding of biotherapeutics and regenerative medicines which is one of the fastest growing areas in the pharmaceutical industry. The module focuses on the opportunities and challenges in their development and use. Sales of these therapeutics is predicted to overtake small molecule drugs and their development and manufacturing is a key growth area in the pharmaceutical industry. Using case studies of successful and failed biotherapeutics, topics ranging from lead development, validation, selection of production platforms, delivery barriers and formulation strategies will be explored focusing on the specific limitations inherent in most biologic drugs. Students will also gain hands on experience in the techniques used to manufacture and assess the quality of biopharmaceutical products. Finally, students will explore how drug safety assessments and rigorous clinical trials play a critical role in ensuring that these medicines are effective and fit for purpose.

In this module students will develop and in-depth understanding of how and why drugs are developed beginning with lead discovery, design and target identification through to pre clinical models of disease. Students will explore the mode of action, genetics, pharmacology, and toxicology relevant for selected exemplars drugs used to treat several important diseases. This will provide them with an understanding of drugs and therapeutics at the molecular level and the emerging use of genomics and patient tailored personalised medicines. During the module students will also examine the barriers and economic considerations that can promote or deprioritise the development of therapeutics for some diseases.

This module gives the student the opportunity to investigate an appropriate research topic, critically analyse and present the results of the research investigation and discuss the findings in the context of previously published work. The project proposed and undertaken must be commensurate with a masters level qualification and include rigorous and critical analysis of data with a high level of initiative. The student will be supported by a series of theme specific tutorials, which will include preparation for employment/ career development.

The purpose of this module is to teach the principles and practice of research with a focus on study design and methods of data collection. It will show how these designs and methods can be applied to evaluation studies as well as to research. It will provide a supportive and intellectually challenging environment within which students develop their knowledge, understanding and skills as researchers.

Students develop a sound understanding of the factors which determine how drugs are delivered and why they are formulated and administered in a particular way. Basic manufacturing steps for drug production and the quality processes and regulatory frameworks that ensure safe and consistent products are produced will also be examined. Finally, the impact the pharmaceutical industry is having on the environment will be explored along with issues influencing how drugs are made. This will help students understand current debates, commercial considerations and other critical issues surrounding the development of more sustainable, green manufacturing practices for the pharmaceutical industry.

Bioinformatics lies at the heart of modern biology. This module introduces the discipline and shows how bioinformatics can help answer practical questions and solve problems in biology, medicine and pharmacology. Topics include DNA and protein databases, DNA and protein sequence alignment, protein structure prediction, drug discovery and molecular modelling.

This module will explore topics in science communication and will help to develop transferable skills and perspectives in the many ways that scientific knowledge can be disseminated. In relation to applied practice, the nature and means of human communication will be explored and assessed. Central themes include considerations of the purpose of science in society and the likely impact its findings and their communication have on human behaviour. This module is heavily focussed on interactive workshops, and includes training in science journalism, public speaking and presentations, online engagement, and TV and radio production.

This module aims to examine and discuss the essential, qualitative and quantitative principles in growth of cultures and subsequent bioproducts to provide the needed expertise for the bio-industries. You will gain an understanding of fermentation processes, as well as small and large-scale production of fermentation products, microbial strain/culture selection and development, and microbial culture.

The module provides information on the scope of commercial biotechnology, starting and financing a company, the role of intellectual property protection, writing a business plan and communicating business ideas, assessing projects, managing a company, managing company finances, and coping with industrial safety legislation and regulatory requirements.