Pharmacology is the science underpinning the action of drugs on biological systems, and its reach and impact are vast, playing a vital role in medicine, nursing, dentistry and veterinary medicine. Pharmacology therefore touches all our lives.
This programme is aimed at aspiring clinical researchers, as well as those wishing to gain a deep understanding of the underlying principles of ‘how drugs work’ and ‘how to develop new drugs’. If you are a highly motivated, inquisitive student, looking to push the boundaries of contemporary knowledge in pharmacology and drug development, whilst at the same time extending yourself in a high achieving academic setting, then this is for you.
In this programme you will gain the skills to play an active role in developing the next generation of drugs – either from first principles in the lab, testing in clinical trials, or taking new products to clinic. You will work alongside inspiring academics and practitioners, as well as external partners including international pharmaceutical companies and the Home Office.
This innovative course will give you an in depth knowledge of how pharmacology and drug development occurs within an academic, clinical and industrial setting. This critical mix of knowledge and interaction with our expert teachers will open exciting opportunities to broaden your career prospects.
About the programme
Our brand-new MSc in Pharmacology and Drug Development will provide you with unique and unrivalled opportunities to immerse yourself in the clinical, basic science and industrial aspects of pharmacology. You will learn from experts in their field who are at the forefront of pharmacology and the drug design process. This includes our own clinical trials unit as well as invited speakers from internationally relevant drug companies and the Home Office.
As well as learning from their expertise, you will be challenged to think differently and develop skills to become a self-directed learner allowing you to continually grow your pharmacology knowledge throughout your career.
The MSc programme is built around core modules that cover the fundamental principles of pharmacology and the clinical relevance of drugs for the major organ systems, whilst demonstrating the drug development process, from initial drug design to understanding the fundamental importance of clinical trials.
The Hull Health Trials Unit will deliver high quality tuition into the principles and process of clinical trials covering a range of crucial topics, including study rigour, participant recruitment, data analysis and interpretation and appropriate regulatory and governance issues associated with modern clinical trials.
You will finish your year with us by conducting a significant research project in either basic or applied pharmacology to generate novel and cutting edge research findings. We will support you to increase your chances of getting your work published.
Modules
The programme is a 180 credit Master’s programme, with five core taught modules (20 credits each), and a core research project/dissertation (80 credits).
In this module you will have the opportunity to learn, discuss and critically analyse key pharmacological topics, such as the general principles of drug action, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and adverse drug reactions which underpin the drug development process.
Tutor: Dr Monica Arman
Term: Autumn
Credits: 20
Assessment: Abstract submission 40%, essay submission 60%
Experimental pharmacology goes hand in hand with the need to develop practical lab skills. In this module, you will complete four laboratory based experiments to refine your rigorous approaches to working through an experimental protocol, gain knowledge of different scientific phenomena and analysing, interpreting and presenting experimental data.
Tutor: Dr Francisco Rivero
Term: Autumn
Credits: 20
Assessment: BIOCOSHH submission 40%, lab book submission 60%
In this module, you will examine the work that goes on before a drug is given to humans. This will include learning the core concepts of drug design, from target selection, through in vitro and appropriate testing and thinking about appropriate formulation. You will also visit testing facilities and receive input from members of the pharmaceutical industry.
Tutor: Dr Laura Sadofsky
Term: Autumn
Credits: 20
Assessment: Portfolio 100%
The use of drugs underpins modern medical practice. In this module you will explore the use of drugs in cardiovascular, cancer, gastrointestinal, renal, liver, rheumatological, and endocrine disease as well as exploring areas of uncertainty around the prescription of medicines. Your training will be delivered by practising clinicians and research scientists teaching in tandem.
Tutor: Dr David Allsup (Haematologist)
Term: Spring
Credits: 20
Assessment: Oral presentation 20%, essay submission 60%
So you have designed a drug – but what next? This module will give you a detailed overview of clinical trials. You will reflect on the different elements of trial design, understand the phases of clinical trials, all the time developing your skills in evidence synthesis and critical appraisal; crucial for underpinning evidence based practice.
Tutor: Dr Judith Cohen
Term: Spring
Credits: 20
Assessment: Patient information sheet 40%, clinical trial protocol abstract 60%
You now get the opportunity to put your new skills to the test by undertaking a substantive research project within the field of pharmacology, and you will be given invaluable support to maximise the chances of your work being published. Projects can be based either within a laboratory, or can be within the sphere regulation and analysis of the clinical trial process.
Term: Spring - Summer
Credits: 80
Assessment: Project write up 100%