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MSc in Drug Design

Key information

We will not run the MSc Drug Design programme in 2012 but will be developing a new programme in Biological Chemistry for 2012. If you are interested in this programme please contact lhspgt@aston.ac.uk. Further details will be posted by January 2012.

Duration of programme: Full-time: 12 months 
Start date: October
Distance learning available: No
Intake: 10

 

Fees for 2011 entry:
UK/EU students: £4,960
International students: £14,700

Application & contact:

LHS Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel:  +44 (0) 121 204 4161       
Fax: +44 (0) 121 204 4187
Email: lhspgt@aston.ac.uk

Pharmacy virtual tour

LHS virtual tour pharmacy

Programme outline and modules

Pills
The Masters in Drug Design allows you to specialise in molecular modelling.

The course is based around a core of six compulsory modules and a research project that provide detailed study and practical experience in drug design, with a focus on developing your professional skills.


Modules are:
The supervised research project will be at the level expected for the first year of PhD studies. Examples of potential topics include computer-based drug design, chemical synthesis of compound libraries for screening, assay development and molecularly imprinted polymers as receptor mimics.

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Entry requirements

Potential students must hold at least a 2nd class Honours Degree in a chemistry-based subject - e.g. chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacy, pharmaceutical technology or biological chemistry from a UK University. Overseas students must possess an equivalent qualification.

International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate a satisfactory command of English language. They should meet our minimum English language requirement by taking one of the following tests:

  • IELTS. Minimum requirement - 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each area.

  • TOEFL IBT. Minimum requirement - 100 overall, (21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking).

  • Pearson Academic. Minimum requirement - 61 overall, 59 in each area.

We do not accept a Password test.

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Learning, teaching & assessment

The course is assessed by a mixture of coursework, examinations, practical work and oral and written presentations. The research project module will be assessed on the basis of a submitted project report and an oral defence of a poster.

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Professional accreditation

Please note that the course is not accredited by any professional body.

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Career opportunities

This course is designed to provide a postgraduate-level education and training for graduates seeking employment in the pharmaceutical industry. The course is also an excellent foundation for studies at PhD level.

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Personal development

The transferable skills acquired on this course include effective written and oral communication, team working, report writing, critical analysis and IT skills.

Facilities & equipment

  • Lectures and seminars are conducted in modern audio-visually equipped lecture theatres and classrooms.
  • “Wet” practicals are conducted in newly refurbished laboratories equipped with a range of pharmaceutical and analytical instruments.
  • The exceptional quality of research in the School of Life and Health Sciences (LHS) has been confirmed in the latest Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) results – with research in Allied Health Professions and Studies ranked 3rd out of 63 UK higher education institutions. Projects are conducted alongside established research groups, specialising in biotechnology research.
  • Teaching and organisational material is communicated via an electronic learning environment.
  • Access to journals is provided via Aston University’s library including a mixture of hard-copy publications and electronic access to several large scientific databases.
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Course director

Dr D L Rathbone - Senior lecturer in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Aston Pharmacy School
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Teaching staff

Find out more about our Pharmacy teaching staff.

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