The masters programme in Pharmaceutical Science and Medicinal Chemistry is designed for graduates in chemistry or a closely related discipline who wish to contribute to drug development in the pharmaceutical industry. It offers a conversion route for graduates with no previous experience of pharmaceutical science, but also provides advanced study for those with some training at undergraduate level. The programme provides the student with training in pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, drug synthesis, the principles of formulation, the methods that are used to identify potential drug targets and drug candidates and to assess the biological activities of drug compounds. This is supported by modules covering the key techniques in analytical chemistry used to support research in the pharmaceutical sciences.
The Department has modern laboratory facilities for use by students during the practical parts of the course. The programme incorporates a three month research project that may be carried out at the University or in industry. This course was developed from two previously long running MSc programmes, one in analytical chemistry and the other in medicinal chemistry and drug metabolism. Advice from the pharmaceutical industry contributed to the development process and it is one of the few programmes that receives national recognition and funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.Graduates of this course have entered a variety of industries, particularly the pharmaceutical and related industries. A significant proportion go on to study for a PhD at Loughborough or at other universities.
Continued expansion in the market for prescription drugs seems inevitable as the population ages and as drugs in new therapeutic areas are introduced. The increased therapeutic benefit, relative to unwanted effects, of many new drugs also contributes since this leads to larger patient populations being treated. An expanding worldwide pharmaceutical industry with continued strong emphasis on drug R & D with excellent employment and promotion opportunities will almost certainly be the result.A significant number of students on the programme join us from overseas and are attracted by the growing reputation of Loughborough University, the excellent campus facilities and the safe living environment of Loughborough and its surrounds.
The modular content of the MSc in Pharmaceutical Science and Medicinal Chemistry and the other MSc degree titles is summarised in the Options Table.
