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.

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.