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Why choose the School of Life Sciences
Our academics are involved in real-world research, leading the way in COVID-19 testing technology, autoimmune diseases, obesity, cancer pathways, gene editing and global food security.
Our MSc Pharmacology with Data Analytics graduates are employed in pharmaceutical and biotech industries as well as in medicines regulatory agencies.
Our Life Sciences Liaison Board features representatives from organisations such as Glaxo Smith Kline, the NHS and the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
About the course
Designed for graduates without a computing background, this two-year Master’s gives you the high-quality pharmacological skills you need to work in the field of drug discovery and development alongside teaching you valuable IT skills. You explore areas such as the mechanisms of drug action at molecular level; the treatment of human disease; and the latest cell and molecular technologies. The Data Analytics units cover programming, databases, security and computer networking, with opportunities to apply your IT knowledge to real-world problems.
Facilities and specialist equipment
- Modern STEM building with purpose-built facilities and bespoke study spaces
- State-of-the-art cell culture lab and analytical science suite
- Industry-standard technology to emulate the professional workplace
- Specialised equipment for high-end pharma and biotech experiments, including HPLC, FTIR and GC-MS machines and facilities for qPCR and protein analysis
Industry links
The University’s Life Sciences Liaison Board draws in industry-wide professionals such as GSK, Pharmaron and the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.Ìý
The Board’s close collaboration with real-world organisations ensures our course aligns with the needs of both industry and society as well as providing you with invaluable opportunities for networking and work experience.Ìý
Student experience
Benefit from our student-centred, employment-based approach to learning to ensure you get the most from your degree, combining traditional lectures, workshops and tutorials with hands-on lab work and small-group teaching.Ìý
Explore fundamental IT-based tools and techniques through integrated data analytics units then apply your knowledge in hands-on practice.Ìý
Gain key transferable skills in critical thinking; integration of knowledge; effective communication; and successful leadership.Ìý
Learn from academics whose research and professional expertise feeds directly back into their teaching, creating a vibrant, practical-oriented learning environment.Ìý
Our staff use their active involvement in progressive areas such as cancer pathways and medicine development to keep you up-to-date with the latest industry advancements.Ìý
Gain specialist knowledge thanks to subject-relevant field trips and talks from external experts, including a visit to MSD-Merck and a workshop run by the UK Health Security Agency.Ìý
Connect with leading employers through our annual STEM Careers Expo.ÌýÌý
Achieve your potential with support and guidance from your own personal academic tutor.Ìý
Develop your specialist interests in your laboratory research project, where you can choose from one of four core areas.Ìý
Course Leader - Dr Prashanth Bajpe
I joined the School of Life Sciences in May 2020 from the Francis Crick Institute, London. I obtained my PhD from Erasmus University Medical Centre from the lab of Peter Verrijzer in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The focus of my PhD was ubiquitination and the reversal of ubiquitination (de-ubiquitination) in the context of gene regulation. I helped discover an interesting protein complex of USP7-GMPS. This work laid the foundation for future works on the role of metabolic enzymes in gene regulation in Verrijzer’s group.
Course Leader - Dr Prashanth Bajpe
I joined the School of Life Sciences in May 2020 from the Francis Crick Institute, London. I obtained my PhD from Erasmus University Medical Centre from the lab of Peter Verrijzer in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The focus of my PhD was ubiquitination and the reversal of ubiquitination (de-ubiquitination) in the context of gene regulation. I helped discover an interesting protein complex of USP7-GMPS. This work laid the foundation for future works on the role of metabolic enzymes in gene regulation in Verrijzer’s group.
What will you study?
Studying our Pharmacology with Data Analytics MSc course will equip you with the knowledge and expertise in the field of drug research and development, the treatment of human diseases, and new technologies within pharmacology with a focus on data analytics. In core areas of study, you will examine cellular processes and current techniques in molecular biology in our Cell and Molecular Biology unit while considering their application in areas like genomics and proteomics. Moreover, you will develop the skills for molecular biology techniques including PCR analysis, restriction digestion, and gene cloning.
Furthermore, you will gain an in-depth understanding of Molecular Pharmacology that concerns drug and receptor interaction while also learning to apply systems biology techniques in drug development. In practical areas of study, you will be exposed to the Drug Discovery and Development process with a specialised focus on the role of toxicology in drug development. You will gain insight into clinical trials, the high throughput screening process, and how drugs are prepared to enter the market. You will also examine therapeutic concepts and principles relating to the causes of diseases and disorders that affect the central nervous, circulatory, endocrine and metabolic system as well as infections and cancer in our Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics unit.
Here, you will learn how these major diseases are managed and treated in current clinical practice. In areas of data analytics, you will be introduced to Data Modelling, Management and Governance methods and techniques alongside database theory. This unit will equip you with the knowledge to use the appropriate tools to build database systems using industry standard software and apply these systems to your chosen field of interest. To diversify your skills further, our unit in Computer Networks and Security is relevant to a wide range of career pathways including software development, business and risk management and cyber or data security. This unit will introduce you to core principles of cybersecurity while providing you with the fundamentals on how computer networks operate.
Finally, you will have the opportunity to complete a Pharmacology Research Project where you will apply theory and practical knowledge acquired from this course to a specialised topic of your choice that is relevant to your field of study and potentially your future career path. To add to this, our unit in Developing Independent Research will support you in producing a good research proposal where you will learn to present your critical evaluations conclusions to a professional standard. In addition, to prepare you for your career, our Personal Professional Development unit will support your career progression by enhancing your employability skills as you shape your own professional development journey and goals with help from our scheduled coaching.
How will you be assessed?
The assessment philosophy of the MSc Pharmacology Award conforms to the recommendations of the aspects of relevant QAA Benchmarks and Masters level descriptors. The methods used for the assessment of students achievements will correspond with the knowledge abilities and skills that are to be developed through degree programme. Both formative and summative modes of assessment will be used. Summative assessments will be undertaken in all units of the course to check that you have met (or are working towards meeting) the threshold standards expected of all students. Also there will be a formative assessment in the beginning of semesters 1 and 2 to help you understand the academic writing and online submission process along with the assessment marking criterion. Evidence on which assessment of students achievement is based will include:
- Formal written examinations
- Summative practical assessments
- Laboratory and other written Academics
- Problem-solving exercises
- Oral presentations
- Individual planning conduct and Academicing of project work
- Essay assignments
- literature surveys and evaluations
- Collaborative project work
- Preparation and displays of 'posters' Academicing project work
- Personal portfolios of learning achieved
- Computer-based assessments
- Self and peer assessment
The course assessment strategy is compliant with the ÑÇÉ«ÊÓƵ Quality Assurance Regulations. The commitment to practical skills and the ability to communicate and interpret data through scientific Developing Independent Research is emphasised at all units of the programme. As such practical (laboratory) activities form a significant proportion of students assessment. Practical work will be assessed through written practical activities poster oral presentations and reflective laboratory diaries.
Assessment throughout the units most notably in the research project will call upon abstract writing and journal review skills to promote critical thinking and integration of knowledge across the course units. The importance of oral communication skills is also acknowledged as some of the units require students to undertake oral presentations as part of the unit assessments.
Throughout the course formative feedback will be provided in support of various tasks that include practical work in all four units mini-projects literature reviews case studies and presentation prior to final summative assessments. Students capability in carrying out research will be assessed through a research proposal research project activities and presentations.
Group work including laboratory practical sessions will help students to develop transferable skills such as taking initiative communication team working and decision making. Ability in oral communication will be assessed through presentations including a poster presentation.
Careers
On completion of this course you will be able to progress into careers in drug research and development across a wide range of employers including the pharmaceutical industry; biotech companies; academic institutions; the NHS; and other public organisations.
You also have the opportunity for further study at Doctoral level.
