University of Bradford
Institute of Cancer Therapeutics
Award and Teaching Institution: University of Bradford
Final Award: MSc (QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications at Level M)
Programme Title: Drug discovery
Duration: Fulltime (1 year)
Subject Benchmark statement: Not applicable
Date Produced: 31th March, 2008
Background
Based upon a greater understanding of the molecular aspects of disease progression, new opportunities for chemical intervention in disease have emerged. Medicinal chemists provide the expertise required in translating that understanding to the identification of suitable chemical entities, and to the process of optimisation that ultimately leads to the discovery of new medicines. This course is designed to provide you with a ‘state of the art’ education in modern drug discovery, which meets the demand of employers in pharmaceutical industry. Opportunities to learn the latest innovations in drug discovery, including computer-aided drug design and techniques in parallel synthesis as well as electronic data management are provided in the course. In addition, an extended project in drug discovery will not only provide you with a first hand experience of the challenges in original research, but also gives you an opportunity to put in practice the knowledge you have gained in drug discovery.
For career progression within this sector a postgraduate qualification is highly desirable. For pursuit of this type of programme, you must have a degree qualification, usually in chemical or biological sciences. The course promotes advanced scholarship within specialised areas concomitant with the development of key transferable skills (in IT and bioinformatics) and research techniques.
The course uses a range of teaching strategies to promote independent study and research; to develop a systematic and critical understanding of the molecular basis of disease progression; and to enhance autonomous learning and personal transferable skills. This course will facilitate development of the skills you require for careers in academia, industry or for further research. Enhancement of your independent learning skills during the course will equip you with the skills to succeed as lifelong learners.
A. Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:
A1 Enable you to develop a systematic understanding, critical awareness, and skills in selected disciplines within the field of drug discovery.
A2 Provide you with a detailed knowledge of common strategies and methods for the design and discovery of new medicines.
A3 Provide a strong knowledge base in the theory and practical skills of synthetic organic chemistry and their application in drug discovery.
A4 Develop within the context of drug discovery, a comprehensive understanding of communication, research skills and scientific method.
A5 Provide learning opportunities to enable you to think critically and to further develop as an autonomous and lifelong learner.
A6 Further develop your ability in a range of personal and key skills.
B. Programme Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the programme you will be able to:
B1 Subject Knowledge & Skills
B1.1 critically evaluate specialized areas of drug discovery.
B1.2 critically evaluate scientific literature and communicate scientific data.
B1.3 critically evaluate and appraise experimental laboratory techniques with specific emphasis on those relevant for efficient preparation of pure organic compounds.
B1.4 implement a research project, employ appropriate experimental approaches and report your findings in relation to current knowledge and understanding.
B2 Core Academic Skills
B2.1 demonstrate critical thinking through an ability to independently:
· recognise, define and prioritise problems;
· analyse, interpret, objectively evaluate and prioritise information, recognising its limitations;
B2.2 demonstrate a conceptual understanding of research and scientific method through ability to independently:
· critically evaluate methodology;
· critically analyse and interpret data;
· formulate conclusions based on complete and incomplete data.
· critically evaluate strategies for experimental design and drug synthesis.
· critically analyze a therapeutic target and current therapeutic approaches to that specific target.
B3 Personal & Key Skills
B3.1 Prepare and implement a programme of independent learning through reflective study
B3.2 Apply skills in time-management, oral presentation, written communication specifically by:
· writing and interpreting scientific reports.
· giving an oral scientific presentation.
C. The Curriculum
The Postgraduate Diploma is studied over two semesters, each comprising of 60 Credits studied as double (20 Credit) or linked (10+10 Credits) modules. The programme is designed as a core curriculum amounting to 40 Credits in semester 1 and 20 Credits in semester 2. A further 20 Credits in semester 1 and 40 Credits in semester 2 are studied from optional curriculum offered at ICT and other SoLS departments. The Masters programme follows on from this and incorporates an additional 60 Credit research project.
D. Teaching, Learning & Assessment Strategies
A wide variety of teaching methods appropriate to the learning outcomes of the individual modules are employed throughout the programme, and are supported by Blackboard, the virtual learning environment, provided by the University. A seminar program involving external speakers with international reputations in the field will be established and you will have the opportunity to discuss scientific issues with them. In addition, the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics has regular internal research seminars and attendance at these is encouraged. The teaching methods focus on student-centred approaches to learning. In this way you will develop the attributes needed for life-long learning and continued professional development. All students will be supported by a dedicated Course Tutor for the duration of the course. Academic support is also provided by individual tutors / supervisors for the Critical Appraisal and Research Project through regular meetings for the duration of these activities.
Unit Code / Unit Title / Module Type / Credits / Level / SemSemester 1
CR-4016D / Principles of Drug Discovery / Core / 20 / M / 1
BM-9132L / Research & Analytical Methods / Core / 10 / M / linked
CR-4014L / Critical Appraisal of a Current Topic in Drug Discovery / Core / 10 / M / linked
BM-9122D / Molecular and genetic basis of Disease I / Optional / 20 / M / 1
CR-4001D / Molecular Basis of Cancer and Cancer Therapy / Optional / 20 / M / 1
Semester 2
BM-9132L / Research & Analytical Methods / Core / 10 / M / linked
CR-4014L / Critical Appraisal of a Current Topic in Drug Discovery / Core / 10 / M / linked
New / Chemical Toolbox for Drug Discovery / Optional / 20 / M / 2
New / Case Studies in Drug Discovery / Optional / 20 / M / 2
BM-9121D / Toxicology and Oncology / Optional / 20 / M / 2
BM-9131D / Molecular Biology of the Cell / Optional / 20 / M / 2
BM-9123D / Molecular and genetic basis of Disease II / Optional / 20 / M / 2
MSc
CR-4015Z / Research Project in Drug Discovery / 60 / M / N/A
The curriculum may change subject to the university course approval, monitoring and review procedures.
Outcome B1.1 will be developed through a series of lectures, workshops and directed study and assessed by unseen written examination questions, critical appraisal, and course work assignments. Outcome B1.2 will be developed and assessed by critical appraisal and course work. Acquisition of outcomes B1.3-1.5 will occur gradually and cumulatively through a number of modules employing a mix of lectures, investigations, workshops, individual project work and directed private study. They will be assessed by an unseen written examination using constructed-response (essay) type questions, course work, assignments, oral presentation, dissertation and project work.
Directed private study will involve you in a variety of activities, which include directed reading of selected textbooks and specified source literature, Blackboard (directed Web-based materials), report writing and other assignments.
The development of outcomes B2.1 and B2.2 will be through involvement in small-group seminars, laboratory investigations and individual project-based work and assessed by critical appraisal, course work, seminar paper, written assignment, oral presentation and project work. Key skills are embedded in the curriculum and some modules develop or consolidate and assess one or more of the key skills listed in outcome B3.1 and B3.2.
More detailed description of the way that learning is related to assessment in the modules that make up this programme can be found on the module descriptors.
E. Admission requirements
Up to 30 students can be admitted to the Masters programme in Drug discovery, and this may includes a significant number of applicants from outside the EU. Offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular course. Entrance requirements will vary, but are set after consideration of each applicant’s academic background and achievements and other relevant experience. As a general guideline, acceptance on the Masters programme requires an Honours degree in chemical or biological sciences, or related disciplines. The expectation is that this would be at 2.2 classification or above. Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency in English in accordance with University Regulations. For example, in the IELTS (International English Language Testing Service test) you need to achieve an overall band of at least 6 with 5 in each of the four sub-tests. In the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) administered by the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, USA, you will need to score at least 550 on the paper-based test, 220 on the computer-based test or 83 on the internet-based test. Students with prior learning or prior experimental learning may be accredited on a case by case basis by a claim for APL or APEL. For further details, see http://www.brad.ac.uk/international/english.php.
F. Assessment regulations
To be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Drug Discovery you must attain at least 40% in individual units amounting to 100 Credits and at least 35% in individual units amounting to the other 20 credits. To be eligible for the award of Masters in drug discovery you must attain at least 40% in individual units amounting to 160 Credits (including a 60 Credit Research Project) at least 35% in individual units amounting to 20 credits. If you obtain an overall weighted average of at least 70% at the first attempt, including a mark of over 70% in the 60 Credit project at first attempt you will be awarded a Masters degree with Distinction. If you obtain an overall weighted average of at least 60% at the first attempt, including a mark of over 60% in the 60 Credit project at first attempt will be awarded a Masters degree with Merit. The full assessment regulations covering postgraduate courses are available on the University website.
G. Student Support & Guidance
The Institute of Cancer Therapeutics will integrate the established practices of the Department of Biomedical Sciences that has a good reputation in this area. Students on the Masters programme will be supported by both a dedicated Course Tutor (through fortnightly meetings with the cohort of students) and allocated individual personal tutorial support. Regular Staff Student Liaison meetings inform the course team of student views and Academic Committee meetings have student representation. Student academic support also is provided by individual tutors / supervisors for the Critical Appraisal and Research Project through regular meetings for the duration of these activities. Formalised formative feedback is given on drafts of these elements prior to submission. Departmental support is enhanced by University Learning Support Services that includes Library and Computing services, a Careers Service and a Disabilities Office.
H. Further Information
Further information can be obtained from the Postgraduate Admissions Tutor, Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford.
Please note that the above information is subject to change.
Descriptions of Modules
Module Title: Principles of Drug discovery
Module Type: Standard module
Module Code: To be confirmed Module Credit: 20
Provider: Institute of Cancer Therapeutics
Related Department / Subject Area: Biomedical Sciences
Principal Co-Ordinator: Dr. R. A. Falconer
Additional Tutors: Prof Laurence Patterson, Dr. R. A. Falconer, Dr. K. Pors
Teaching Period: Semester 1
Academic Year: 2008/9
Module Occurrence: A
Level: M (Post-graduate)
Prerequisite(s):
Corequisite(s): None
Aims:
To provide students with an appreciation and understanding of the various stages in drug discovery process. To provide students with a current and critical evaluation of methods, techniques and strategies used to select molecules for evaluation of their biological properties. In particular, a specific aim is to provide students with an understanding of the criteria used for “drugable” targets.
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy:
Course material is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, and student directed learning. The assessment is through a closed book final examination and coursework assessment.
Study Hours:
Lectures: 24.00 Directed Study: 170.00
Seminars/Tutorials: 4.00 Other: 0.00
Laboratory/Practical: 0.00 Formal Exams: 2.00
Total: 200.00
Learning Outcomes: On completion of the module you will be able to:
1. Knowledge & Understanding
Appraise the drug discovery process in particular strategies and tools for identification and optimisation of leads; importance, strategies and tools for PKPD profiling and other pre-clinical issues, clinical trials, issues related to large scale drug production, intellectual property issues and regulatory affairs.
2. Subject-Specific Skills:
Critically evaluate issues that are relevant in a drug discovery process.
3. Personal Transferable Skills
Employ generic literature skills for life-long learning (literature & databases).
Mode of Assessment:
1. Assessment Type Duration Percentage
Examination - closed book 2.00 hours 70%
Description
Students must answer five out of seven questions.
2. Assessment Type Duration Percentage
Coursework 30%
Description
Assessment through worked problem sheets in four tutorial sessions (7.5% for each).
Supplementary Assessment:
As Above
Outline Syllabus:
An overview of the drug discovery process: Sources of leads; lead identification strategies; lead optimisation strategies including diversity oriented synthesis, in vitro and in vivo testing; PKPD and other pre-clinical issues, clinical trials, issues related to large scale drug production, intellectual property issues and regulatory affairs.