MSc Drug Discovery and Toxicology
Why choose Herts?
- Industry-Focused Content: You will explore contemporary topics in Drug Discovery and Toxicology looking closely at modern developments in drug safety science and 21st Century medicines.
- Teaching Excellence: You will be taught by a team of experts who have extensive Pharma Research and Development experience (see key staff section).
- Industry Connections: Located in the heart of the UK Pharmaceutical industry, you will benefit from expert guest lectures, work-placements, and industry professionals from GSK and Astra Zeneca contributing to your studies.
Professional Accreditations
Subject to validation, this course will be accredited by the Royal Society for Biology Accreditation.
About the course
This course gives you in-depth knowledge of the scientific basis of drug discovery with a particular emphasis on toxicology, the science behind the safety of drugs. We make full use of our geographical location at the heart of the UK pharmaceutical industry attracting numerous expert contributions from industry professionals (e.g. GSK, AZ).
The course will cover all aspects of new medicine research and development from identifying novel targets through drug screening to clinical trials of candidate medicines. With our excellent facilities, emphasis on practical work, and teaching underpinned by the latest research, you'll be qualified for research and development positions in pharmaceutical companies including discovery biology and toxicology, as well as a wide range of other non-laboratory roles in industry.
Alternatively, consider taking our other MSc Drug Discovery and Toxicology routes:
Why choose this course?
- 92% overall satisfaction for Medicine and Dentistry in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES, 2024)
- You'll benefit from being taught by expert staff with pharmaceutical industry research and development and toxicology experience
- We have strong links to big pharma research sites nearby which provide you with the opportunity for numerous guest lecturers from the industry as well as networking opportunities
- Our state of the art Science Building provides excellent facilities for laboratory based studies, including QPCR, cell culture, protein analysis, isolated tissue studies, immunohistochemistry
- Upon graduation, you'll be equipped for working in a wide range of roles in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
What will I study?
Throughout the course, you'll have the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of the drug discovery process and the role of toxicology in developing safe medicines.
The course comprises four taught modules and a project module. In Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology students study the essential aspects of these topics that provide a necessary background for contemporary drug discovery. A focus on immunology reflects the growing understanding of the contribution of this area to disease and hence novel opportunities for drug discovery.
The Translational Medicine module explores the process of drug discovery with a particular emphasis on translation, developing molecules that will eventually work in human patients as well as in a laboratory. Molecular Medicine explores with he emphasis on recent examples of chemical and biological approaches to developing 21st Century medicines.
Contemporary Topics in Drug Discovery and Toxicology provides a focus on recent developments in drug safety science. A problem-based learning approach is integral to develop advanced critical analysis and group working skills in students’ on the programme.
You'll have the opportunity to complete a laboratory based research project in you chosen area of interest ranging across options in toxicology and pharmacology of drug discovery.
Currently available projects include:
- Gastrointestinal pharmacology
- Angiogenesis
- Cancer
- Molecular pharmacology of vascular disease
- Diabetic neuropathic pain
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Toxicology of new smoking devices
- Toxicology of novel psychoactive substances
Key staff
Dr Chris Benham
Find out more about Dr Chris Benham
Dr Chris Keating
Team Leader
Find out more about Dr Chris Keating
Dr John Skamarauskas
Senior Lecturer
Dr Lisa Lione
Find out more about Dr Lisa Lione
Dr Madhu Goyal
Programme Leader
Find out more about Dr Madhu Goyal
Dr Mahmoud Iravani
Find out more about Dr Mahmoud Iravani
Dr Shoib Siddiqui
Deputy Programme Leader
Dr Shori Thakur
Find out more about Dr Shori Thakur
Further course information
| Course fact sheets | |
|---|---|
| MSc Drug Discovery and Toxicology (Revised 2024) | Download |
| MSc Drug Discovery and Toxicology (Revised 2024) | Download |
| Programme specifications | |
|---|---|
| MSc Drug Discovery and Toxicology (Revised 2024) | Download |
| MSc Drug Discovery and Toxicology (Revised 2024) | Download |
| Additional information | |
|---|---|
Sandwich placement or study abroad year |
n/a |
Applications open to international and EU students |
Yes |