Pharmacology

Programme outline and modules

The course is based around the core Systems Pharmacology module which describes the basics of receptor theory, second messenger actions and autonomic pharmacology. Understanding of fundamental aspects of pharmacology of neuromuscular junction and synaptic function are also delivered via the physiological pharmacology module and the actions of drugs and the nature of receptors are then considered at the molecular level, with a focus on the exciting and important field of neuropharmacology. The Drug Discovery module gives an overview of the pharmaceutical industry; an introduction to receptors and drug action and chemical and biological aspects of evaluation and development of new compounds

The supervised research project will last for approximately four months, and will be at the level expected for first year PhD study. Topics might include, for example, the actions of cannabinoids in cortical synaptic plasticity.

Modules

The taught modular programme will consider various aspects of pharmaceutical sciences e.g. the biology of disease states, pharmaceutical analytical analysis, pharmaceutical formulation, research methods and exploiting your research.

The supervised research project will last for four months and be at the level expected for the first year of PhD studies. Examples of potential topics include computer-based drug design of antimicrobial compounds and chemical synthesis of compound libraries for screening and assay development.

Learning, teaching & assessment

Tutorials and workshops provide an opportunity for computer-aided learning of selected topics and also allow discussion of advanced aspects of selected topics, for example, the nature of partial agonist/receptor interactions and quantitative methods in pharmacology.

Assessment is in the form of written examinations, coursework essays and the project report/poster. Examinations usually take place once yearly in summer. Repeat examinations are offered in the summer of the subsequent academic year.

Professional accreditation

Please note that the course is not accredited by any professional body.

Career opportunities

MSc in Pharmacology at Aston is a taught course, designed primarily to introduce fundamental aspects of pharmacology to non-pharmacologists or those with degree qualifications outside the life sciences. As such, whist the course lends itself towards careers in the pharmaceutical industry, it does not provide direct practical training in specific techniques outside of the four-month research project. The course does not offer placements, internships or assistantships at drug companies or in University laboratories.

Objectives

The programme provides specialist training in the field of pharmacology, as well as promoting skills for career and professional development. The MSc in Pharmacology is designed around a strong theoretical education in basic and advanced pharmacology with practical experience of pharmacological and neuropharmacological techniques in the laboratory. Students will gain insight into receptor theory, molecular pharmacology, neuropharmacology and pharmacokinetics /pharmacodynamics. Physiology will also be taught alongside these elements, facilitating crossover of students qualified in non-biological disciplines to the life sciences. This will allow students to offer skills that cross boundaries and provide an excellent foundation for studies at PhD level.