Course Description
This full-time Master's programme provides a comprehensive overview of drug safety practices within the drug development process.
It addresses key aspects of preclinical drug evaluation through the study of:
- Drug discovery and development
- Safety pharmacology
- Mechanisms of drug-induced toxicities
- Regulatory affairs
- Bioanalytical sciences
It will give you state-of-the-art training in preclinical toxicology, with an emphasis on the molecular in vitro and in vivo aspects of toxicology and safety pharmacology assessments.
As part of the programme you will undertake an original research project that will be the basis of your dissertation.
Delivered at the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, an internationally renowned research institution, the programme gives you the skills you need for a career in the pharmaceutical industry or regulatory bodies, along with the foundations for PhD study.
Drug toxicology and safety pharmacology lies at the heart of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, and demand for highly skilled practitioners in this field is extremely high.
Course Content
The programme has a central core of modules in the first Semester which are designed to train students in widely used laboratory techniques, research methodology, and in critical analysis and thinking.
The 20-credit Practical Skills in Research module is designed around common laboratory techniques and skills including ELISA, flow cytometry, Western Blot, statistical analysis etc. You will have a series of workshops to learn these techniques with a lab session where you carry out the procedure.
In the 20-credit Critical Appraisal module, you are assigned a topic under the supervision of one of our academics and are asked to write a 5000-word critical review. In this module, students will receive a wide range of training and advice on scientific writing, compiling scientific data, data analysis, scientific presentation etc.
The remaining 20-credit first semester module entitled Toxicology & Safety Pharmacology provides students with the core academic knowledge required in this field. During the first semester, students gain knowledge of the breadth of cutting edge research at ICT and either choose or suggest a research project plan.
In Semester 2, students will study 20-credit Preclinical Models for Drug Evaluation module designed around protocols and techniques used in the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of drug potency and 20-credit Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity module designed around the recent understanding mechanism that leads to toxicity in drug molecules.
The remaining 20-credit module can be chosen from a list of topics which reflect your career aspirations. These include Case Studies in Drug Discovery, or Innovation in Life Science Industry.
In Semester 3 (60 credits each), students will join research laboratories within the ICT, to undertake their 60-credit Research Project module. During this time, students are trained in specialist laboratory techniques and conduct their chosen research.
Modules
Core
Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology (INC7005-B)
Preclinical Models for Drug Evaluation (INC7001-B)
Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity (INC7009-B)
Cancer Therapeutics Research Project (INC7019-E)
Option
Critical Appraisal of a Current Topic in Oncology and Toxicology (INC7017-B)
Practical Skills in Pharmacology Research (INC7018-B)
Case Studies in Drug Discovery (INC7011-B)
Experimental Design (BIS7016-B)
Entry Requirements
To be admitted to the programme, applicants must have an undergraduate Honours qualification (minimum 2: 2) or equivalent in a scientific discipline, usually within chemistry, biology, pharmacy, biomedicine, or related fields. Candidates who do not meet these entry criteria but who can show relevant experience may also be considered.
For North American students a GPA of normally 2.0 and above (on a scale of 4.0), or an equivalent, is required.
English language requirements
If your native language is not English, or official language of your first degree is not English, you will need to pass a test in English approved by the University before you can be admitted. The International English Language Testing System test (IELTS) administered by the British Council is the test which is preferred by the University.
You will need to achieve an overall score of at least 6.0, with at least 5.5 in each of the four sub-tests (speaking, listening, reading, writing). Testing facilities are available at most British Council overseas offices. When you take the test, you should ask for a copy of your Test Report Form to be sent to the University.
Alternative English language tests include:
- The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE-A), for which you will need to achieve an overall score of at least 55, with at least 51 in each of the four sub-tests
- TOEFL, for which you will need to score at least 80 on the internet-based test, with sub-tests not less than Speaking 20, Listening 17, Reading 18, Writing 17
If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course. See the Language Centre for more details.
If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course.
Assessment Methods
A wide variety of teaching methods appropriate to the learning outcomes of the individual modules are employed throughout the programme and are supported by the virtual learning environment provided by the University.
Students will experience lectures from ICT research/teaching staff and visiting clinicians and industrial researchers, small group workshops, one-to-one tutorials and practical classes.
Students will also attend the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics Research Seminar programme. Self-directed independent learning forms a significant component at MSc level; students will be supported to develop the attributes and skills needed for life-long learning and continued professional development.
Directed private study will involve students in a variety of activities, which include directed reading of selected textbooks and specified source literature, use of the virtual learning environment (directed web-based materials), report writing, preparing presentations to deliver to peers, and other assignments.
RELATED COURSES
Please login to Apply for the Course
Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology (MSc)
University of Bradford
Please login to Send an Enquiry
Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology (MSc)
University of Bradford