Pharmacology and Biotechnology

MSc

PostgraduateBiosciences and chemistry

Study alongside research-active experts, and gain detailed knowledge of pharmacology and biotechnology. You’ll consider the research, industrial, commercial and medical aspects of the discipline.

Everything you need to know…
  • What is the fee?

    International/EU: £17,205 for the course

  • How long will I study?

    1 Year

  • When do I start?

    2024.September

Course summary
Study alongside research-active experts, and gain detailed knowledge of pharmacology and biotechnology. You’ll consider the research, industrial, commercial and medical aspects of the discipline.
Work in state-of-the-art facilities on exciting practical projects.
Explore the fundamental principles of molecular pharmacology and biotechnology.
Enhance your laboratory skills from experimental design through to interpretation of results.
Learn how to synthesise new drugs, or produce them from genetically modified microorganism.
Develop as an autonomous learner capable of reflecting on learning, knowledge and professional practices.

This course has been designed to respond to the increasing need for professional pharmacologists and biotechnologists. You'll learn to translate laboratory medical research into clinical applications, and study topics such as diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of disease. Throughout, you'll learn to apply medical biotechnology, biopharmaceutics and drugs.
How you learn

Laboratory experience and research project

All practical classes are led by academic staff whose research incorporates the latest pharmacological and biotechnological techniques.

Practical skills are developed throughout the course and you gain experience in molecular biology techniques such as quantitative real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), sub-cloning and cell culture.

Core to the program are practical classes where you gain experience in a range of the latest techniques used in the determination of essential pharmacological parameters.

Research skills and statistical analysis are developed throughout the program and applied to pharmacological and biotechnological problems or case studies. New elements of Genomics and Proteomics have been introduced allowing students to apply basic science knowledge and skills to experimental study design, and management and data analysis.

You will have the opportunity to conduct a semester-long investigative research project within the biomedical field. This work will take place in cutting-edge, industry-standard laboratories and teaching labs under the supervision of world-renowned active research staff.

This work will be aligned with the current research interests of an academic member of staff within our specialist Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre. The project will include a critical review of the literature relevant to your research project, the development of a project proposal, design of research methods and the analysis, presentation and interpretation of experimental data.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

On this course, you’ll work with researchers and academics who are expert and renowned in the field, and do so in cutting-edge industry-standard facilities.

You’ll tackle theoretical topics including pharmacology and advanced cell biology, as well as technical topics such as sub-cloning, cell culture and quantitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR)

Research skills and statistical analysis are developed throughout the program and applied to pharmacological and biotechnological problems or case studies. New elements of Genomics and Proteomics have been introduced, which allow you to apply basic science knowledge and skills to experimental study design. Modules may include Fundamentals of Laboratory Practice, Cell Biology and Applied Laboratory Practice.

You learn through

  • lectures and seminars
  • a programme of laboratory classes
  • a full semester research project
Future career

This course prepares you for a career in:

  • academic research
  • the industrial biotechnology sector
  • the health biotechnology sector
  • the pharmaceutical industry
  • environmental sector

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for:

  • AstraZeneca
  • Danone
  • Eli Lilly
  • Certara
  • BD Biosciences (San Francisco Bay Area, US
  • PhD Researcher at St George’s University of London
  • Associate member at Higher Education Academy (UK)
  • HR Operations at Deloitte India (Offices of the US)
Equipment and facilities

On this course you work with

  • industry-standard instrumentation in professional and teaching labs
  • a state of the art analytical and mass spectrometry suite
  • a state of the art cell culture suite
  • a professional microscopy suite

 

Entry requirements

A 2:1 in a relevant Honours degree is normally accepted as the entry requirement for the course. Applicants with a 2:2 are also actively encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants with alternative qualifications with academic attainment or skills in subjects which are directly relevant to the course will also be considered

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent

Modules

Important notice:

 

The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

Year 1 & Final Year
Compulsory modules

Module

Credits

Assessment

Advanced Laboratory And Research Practice

30

Coursework

Applied Laboratory Practice

15

Coursework

Biotechnological Approaches To Pharmacology

15

Coursework

Exam

Cell Biology

15

Coursework

Exam

Fundamentals Of Pharmacology

15

Coursework

Exam

Molecular Biology And Biotechnology

15

Coursework

Exam

Research Project

60

Coursework

 

 

Elective modules

Module

Credits

Assessment

Biopharmaceuticals And Drug Discovery

15

Coursework

Exam

Cellular And Molecular Basis Of Cancer

15

Coursework

Exam

Genomics And Proteomics

15

Coursework