MSc Pharmacokinetics

Programme outline and modules

Pharmacokinetics is a key aspect of drug safety and investigates the fate of a drug in the body, and how the substance is absorbed, distributed, metabolised and eliminated.

The MSc Pharmacokinetics programme has been developed with an emphasis on describing mechanistic approaches to assessing and predicting the pharmacokinetics of drugs throughout the drug development process. The course will provide candidates with a broad range of experiences in the application of pharmacokinetics from early discovery and development, through to market authorisation and clinical applications.

This programme is designed for scientists already working within the pharmaceutical industry or science graduates who wish to explore the area of pharmacokinetics further and to and obtain a university degree.

Key themes include:

• The application pharmacokinetic principle to early drug discovery strategies
• Biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetic principles in dosage form design
• Basic and advanced pharmacokinetics with an emphasis on modelling and simulation
• Specialist research projects

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Modules

• Drug Discovery
• Chemotherapy & Selective Toxicity
• Drug Dosage Form & Design
• Pharmacokinetics
• Research Methods: Professional Development
• Research Skills: Communication Skills
• Research Project

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Entry requirements

Applicants must hold at least a 2nd class honours degree in a life Sciences-based subject e.g., chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacy, pharmaceutical technology, chemical engineering, pharmacology, physiology, physical science, biotechnology or biological chemistry from a UK University, or when outside the UK a degree or qualification deemed to be at least of equivalent standing. Students whose first language is not English must demonstrate a satisfactory command of written and spoken English. For international students this is demonstrated by an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher overall, but with no score below a 6.0 or equivalent qualifications

Learning, teaching & assessment

This 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.

A core aspect of the programme is focussed on working with cutting-edge modelling and simulation software to apply pharmacokinetic principles to industry case-studies examples.

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.

Pharmacokinetics graduate are in-demand in most pharmaceutical companies, with graduates capable of working in a number of fields including:

• Discovery/development groups
• Pre-clinical development
• Formulation sciences
• Marketing authorisation
• Regulatory bodies (e.g. FDA,EMEA, MHRA)

 

Personal development

The programme will develop students skills in many difference areas including:

• presentation skills
• team working
• report writing
• negotiation skills
• IT skills

Facilities & equipment

The programme is delivered in a multidisciplinary environment. Candidates will be exposed to a variety teaching/research staff, each with their own specialist interests, which will benefit the development of the student.

Facilities available include:

• Modern lecture/tutorial rooms
• Laboratories
• Cutting-edge software (e.g. Gastroplus, SimCYP)
• IT equipment and packages and use of Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
• Learning resources – such as up-to-date texts, journals and media publications

Course director

The course director is Dr Raj K. SinghBadhan, a specialist in pharmacokinetics who lectures within the School of Pharmacy.

Dr Badhan has a broad background in pharmacokinetics and pharmaceutical sciences and is a UK registered pharmacist.  His PhD and Post-Doctoral training in pharmacokinetics and pharmaceutical sciences will provide candidates with an extensive understanding of the application of pharmacokinetics during drug development.

Teaching staff

The programme provides a broad understanding of the application of pharmacokinetics to the pharmaceutical industry, and therefore each staff members involved in delivering the module brings a wealth of expertise to the programme:

• Dr Raj K. Singh Badhan - Programme Director - (Pharmacokinetics)
• Dr Eric Latmann - Drug Discovery
• Dr Debora Lowry - Drug Delivery
• Dr Steven Russell - Chemotherapy