Drug Discovery and Toxicology

Taught by expert staff with big Pharma Research and Development experience and guest lecturers from industry fostering inquiry and strengthening inter-professional education.

Access to unparalleled teaching and research facilities in a new science facility.

Blended learning approach to teaching including problem-based learning to develop high-level critical analysis skills, substantial exposure to practical techniques in drug discovery and toxicology, and guaranteed laboratory-based research projects.

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, examinations may be replaced by an alternative form of assessment during the academic year 2020/2021. Please refer to the Programme Specification on these pages for further details.

About the course
This programme gives you in-depth knowledge of the scientific basis of drug discovery with a particular emphasis on toxicology, the science behind the safety of drugs. We make full use of our geographical location at the heart of the UK Pharmaceutical industry attracting numerous expert contributions from industry professionals (e.g. GSK, AZ). The course will cover all aspects of new medicine research and development from identifying novel targets through drug screening to clinical trials of candidate medicines. With our excellent facilities, emphasis on practical work, and teaching underpinned by the latest research, you will be qualified for research and development positions in pharmaceutical companies including discovery biology and toxicology, as well as a wide range of other non-laboratory roles in industry.

What will I study?
The MSc Drug Discovery and Toxicology Course will provide students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of the drug discovery process and the role of toxicology in developing safe medicines. The programme comprises four taught modules and a project module. In Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology students study the essential aspects of these topics that provide a necessary background for contemporary drug discovery. A focus on immunology reflects the growing understanding of the contribution of this area to disease and hence novel opportunities for drug discovery. The Translational medicine module explores the process of drug discovery with a particular emphasis on translation, developing molecules that will eventually work in human patients as well as in a laboratory. Molecular Medicine explores with the emphasis on recent examples of chemical and biological approaches to developing 21st Century medicines and Contemporary topics in Drug Discovery and Toxicology provides a focus on recent developments in drug safety science. A problem-based learning approach is integral to develop advanced critical analysis and group working skills in students’ on the programme.

All students have the opportunity to complete a laboratory based research project in their chosen area of interest ranging across options in toxicology and pharmacology of drug discovery.

Currently available projects include:

Gastrointestinal pharmacology
Angiogenesis
Cancer
Molecular pharmacology of vascular disease
Diabetic Neuropathic pain
Parkinson’s Disease
Toxicology of new smoking devices
Toxicology of novel psychoactive substances