MSc Drug Discovery and Development

Year 1

(Award available for year: Master of Science)

Learning outcomes

1. Develop an integrated and comprehensive understanding of the process of drug discovery and development;
2. Critically evaluate the current science underpinning a range of technical areas in the drug discovery and development pipeline, including small molecule lead discovery and optimisation, pre-clinical testing, clinical safety and efficacy, commercialisation;
3. Develop a sophisticated understanding of the legal regulatory framework and its implementation in drug development;
4. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the commercial and social drivers shaping the pharmaceutical industry;
5. Demonstrate mastery in a range of computational, practical and/or analytical techniques appropriate to drug discovery and development;
6. Design, plan and execute an independent and in-depth research project in an area of drug discovery and development;
7. Develop advanced problem-solving, interpretation and data analysis skills, demonstrated through a range of activities;
8. Demonstrate advanced ability to communicate information and defend ideas in writing and verbally as evidenced through the production of written reports and oral presentations;
9. Take a proactive and self-reflective role in working to develop professional relationships with others, including the ability to lead and work in teams.


1.Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise hypotheses and research within Drug Discovery and Development making use of a variety of sources.
2.Effectively apply advanced theoretical and practical knowledge to address problems in Drug Discovery and Development.
3.Effectively communicate to a variety of audiences through, for example, written and oral approaches, scientific, technical and mathematical concepts, making use of equations, illustrations, figures and references as appropriate to Drug Discovery and Development.
4.Demonstrate advanced knowledge and application of scientific, technical and mathematical skills in Drug Discovery and Development relevant to pure and applied research in academia, industry and health care environment with support as appropriate.
5.Collect, process, analyse, interpret and effectively communicate data (including numerical, non-numerical and visual data), using advanced techniques and tools, and form logical, reasonable conclusions and recommendations.
6.Effectively follow, troubleshoot and develop practical experimental protocols as appropriate to Drug Discovery and Development.
7.Use a range of techniques and apparatus in the laboratory and field environment, as appropriate to Drug Discovery and Development, competently and safely, using appropriate support where necessary.
8.Design, plan and undertake a research project using appropriate support where necessary.
9.Demonstrate environmental consideration and work within ethical frameworks in a variety of settings as related to Drug Discovery and Development.
10.Effectively collaborate as a member of a team working on a shared task relevant to Drug Discovery and Development with appropriate support where required, which could include working with partners from a range of sectors including academia, industry and policy.

Transferable (key) skills

- the skills necessary to undertake a higher research degree and/or for employment in a higher capacity in industry or area of professional practice;
- evaluating their own achievement and that of others;
- self-direction and effective decision making in complex and unpredictable situations;
- independent learning and the ability to work in a way which ensures continuing professional development;
- critically to engage in the development of professional/disciplinary boundaries and norms.

Assessment

- Evidencing an ability to conduct independent in-depth enquiry within the discipline;
- Demonstrating the ability to apply breadth and/or depth of knowledge to a complex specialist area;
- Drawing on a range of perspectives on an area of study;
- Evaluating and criticising received opinion;
- Making reasoned judgements whilst understanding the limitations on judgements made in the absence of complete data.

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team