StudyQA — Master: Drug Discovery and Protein Biotechnology

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Description Contents Requirements

The modern pharmaceutical industry encompasses the development of biologics (for example antibodies or protein hormones), as much as it does traditional small-molecule drug discovery.

You will study the design and potential uses of different families of proteins and will examine the experiences of successful entrepreneurs in the field who have been involved in the commercialisation of biopharmaceuticals.

Your research project will focus on the early phases of an industrial biologics design programme.

Career opportunities

You will enhance your career prospects with marketable analytical and presentation skills.

This is a distance learning programme taught entirely online via a virtual learning environment. You will learn through a variety of teaching methods, including online tuition, peer-to-peer discussion and individual study. You will take six taught courses in each of the two first years of the MSc - a mixture of compulsory and optional courses. In your final year you pursue a research project leading to a dissertation.

You can take individual courses for continuing professional development purposes, or follow a single year of part-time study to qualify for a Certificate, two years to achieve a Diploma, and three years for the MSc. We can offer you a fast-track option to complete the MSc in two years, or you can spread your degree programme over a maximum of six years, through intermittent study, allowing you to plan your study around work and other commitments. You can expect to spend between around seven to 13 hours a week on your studies, depending on your chosen schedule.

Compulsory courses

Biologics and Protein Design
Commercial Aspects of Drug Discovery
High Throughput Drug Discovery
In Silico Drug Discovery
Introduction to Modelling Biological Systems
Measuring Drug Binding
Molecular Modelling
Professional Skills in Drug Discovery
Systems Approach to Modelling Cell Signal Transduction

Optional courses

Chemistry for Drug Discovery
Computing Skills for Drug Discovery
Druggable Systems
Introduction to Biological Kinetics

Online learning

Our award-winning online learning technology enables you to interact with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your home or workplace. You will have the same access to our staff as you would if you were on campus. Our online students not only have access to Edinburghs excellent resources but they get the opportunity to become part of a supportive online community.

Students should possess a UK University undergraduate degree or its equivalent outside the UK (usually at least a 2:1 honours degree or its equivalent). Candidates are expected to possess a strong background in one or more of the following areas: biotechnology, biochemistry, chemistry, medicine, molecular biology, pharmacology and the related sciences. Physics, mathematics, or other backgrounds will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 75 (Grade B) TOEFL iBT® test: 92 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.