University of Bradford:
Postgraduate Programme specification
University of Bradford
Faculty of Life Sciences
Institute of Cancer Therapeutics
Programme title: Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology
Awarding and teaching institution: / University of BradfordAcademic Year / 2016/17
Final and interim awards: / Master of Science
Postgraduate Diploma
Postgraduate Certificate
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 7]
Programme title: / Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology
Programme approved / accredited by:
Relevant subject benchmark statement(s): / N/A
N/A
Duration: / 1 year full-time
UCAS code: / N/A
FHEQ Level: / 7
Approved : / August 2014
Background
In order for any new therapeutic to progress to the market, or before any chemical can be used in living organisms including humans, a thorough identification and understanding of its toxicity and safety is required. Accordingly, drug toxicology and safety pharmacology is a central and integral component of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The discipline of safety pharmacology and toxicological evaluation is dynamic, expanding and multidisciplinary, adapting in response to the demands for new medicines and the improvement in assessment methodology. In both the laboratory and the pharmaceutical industry, safety pharmacology has had to adapt to the changing face of drug development by establishing experimental models and target orientated assessment approaches. This is an exciting time to be involved in this area and against a backdrop of increasing competitiveness in the chemical and pharmaceutical sector, the demand for “pre-trained” employees in this field is extremely high.
The MSc programme in Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacologywill be hosted by the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics which is situated in the heart of the University campus in brand new, purpose built facilities. The Institute has a strong research ethos and it is particularly well known as a centre of excellence in drug development and pharmacology. It is a multidisciplinary organisation incorporating a broad spectrum of skills ranging from chemistry through laboratory drug evaluation to preclinical in vivostudies. The MSc Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology programme leader (Dr J Gill) is a member of the national training and education advisory group for safety sciences; a group which includes academic, industry and government representatives. Therefore, this programme is designed to meet the demand of employers and provide you with a comprehensive overview of the Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology process.
The programme will provide you with state of the art training, both theoretical and practical, in the area of preclinical toxicology with an emphasis on the molecular and in vivo aspects of toxicological assessment. This programmeis designed to attract individuals with a first degree in the biology, chemistry, medical, pharmaceutical, pharmacological or toxicological sciences who want to specialise in medicines development or undertake employment in the pharmaceutical industry.
For career progression within this sector you require a postgraduate qualification. For pursuit of this type of programme, you will already have a degree qualification, usually from biological, chemical, medical, pharmaceutical, pharmacological or toxicological sciences or related disciplines. The programme promotes advanced scholarship within specialised areas concomitant with the development of key transferable skills (in IT and bioinformatics) and research techniques. The programme uses a range of teaching strategies to promote independent study and research to develop a systematic and critical understanding of drug toxicology and safety pharmacology, and enhance your autonomous learning and personal transferable skills. This programme will facilitate development of the skills you require for careers in academia, industry or for further research. Enhancement of your independent learning skills during the programme will equip you with the skills to succeed as lifelong learners.
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:
A1Enable you to develop a systematic understanding and critical awareness of, and skills in, selected disciplines within the field of toxicology and safety pharmacology.
A2To provide you with practical and hands-on skills applicable to the Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology subject area
A3Develop within the context of Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology, a comprehensive understanding of communication, research and scientific method;
A4Provide you with a detailed knowledge of pre-clinical experimental approaches and legislative regulations
A5To provide learning opportunities to enable you to think critically and to further develop as an autonomous and lifelong learner;
A6Further develop your ability in a range of personal and key skills.
Programme Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the programme you will be able to:
LO1Critically evaluate specialised areas of toxicology and safety pharmacology.
LO2Discussscientific literature and communicate scientific data.
LO3Appraise experimental laboratory techniques with specific emphasis on obtaining the qualification for a Home Office personal license for animal studies.
LO4Demonstrate self-direction and originality in implementing a research project, employ appropriate experimental approaches and report your findings in relation to current research knowledge and understanding.
LO5Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of research and scientific method through ability to independently formulate conclusions based on complete and incomplete data
LO6Apply scientific principles to the critical analysis of problems in order to determine the safety profile of agents under evaluation
LO7Apply standard laboratory methods to obtain accurate data
LO8Criticallyevaluate pre-clinical strategies of drug analysis in vitro and in vivo.
LO9Use software packages in the analysis and reporting of screening and safety profiling of drugs
LO10Develop autonomy in learning and apply skills in; time-management, presentation, written communication and problem-solving.
LO11Communicate with a variety of audiences using a range of techniques
LO12Use problem solving strategies to develop innovative solutions
LO13Develop practical and in vivo skills applicable to the drug toxicology and safety pharmacology discipline
LO14Reflect on the need for further personal and professional development to improve your own performance.
The Curriculum
TheMasters programme is studied over two semesters, each comprising of 60 Credits studied as double (20 Credit) and linked (20 Credits spread across two semesters) modules. The Masters programme includes a 60 Credit research project.
The programme is designed as a core curriculum; in both semester 1 and semester 2 you will study units amounting to 40 Credits. A further 40 Credits will be obtained from the linked modules. In semester 1 all units run in parallel whereas in semester 2 there is an intensive training in Experimental Design in the first four weeks of the semester followed by study of the other units in parallel over a 7-week teaching period.
Module Code / Module Title / Module Type / Credits / Level / SemPostgraduate Certificate
INC7005-B / Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology / Core / 20 / 7 / 1INC7001-B / Preclinical models for drug evaluation. / Core / 20 / 7 / 1
INC7006-B / Critical Appraisal of a Current Topic in Safety Pharmacology / Core / 20 / 7 / 1&2
INC7007-B / Research and Analytical Methods in Safety Pharmacology / Core / 20 / 7 / 1&2
If you have achieved the regulatory credit points at Level 7 and have achieved learning outcomes LO 1-3 and 5-14, you may exit the programme and are eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate
Postgraduate Diploma
BIS7007-B / Experimental Design / Core / 20 / 7 / 2INC7009-B / Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity / Core / 20 / 7 / 2
INC7007-B / Research and Analytical Methods in Safety Pharmacology / Core / 20 / 7 / 1&2
INC7006-B / Critical Appraisal of a Current Topic in Safety Pharmacology / Core / 20 / 7 / 1&2
If you have achieved the regulatory credit points at Level 7 and have achieved learning outcomes LO 1-3 and 5-14, you may exit the programme and are eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma
Master of Science
INC7010-E / Research Project (safety pharm.) / Core / 60 / 7 / N/AIf you have achieved the regulatory credit points at Level 7 and have achieved learning outcomes LO 1-14, you are eligible for the award of Master of Science.
The curriculum may change subject to the university programme approval, monitoring andreview procedures
Learning,Teaching and Assessment Strategies
A wide variety of teaching methods appropriate to the learning outcomes of the individual modules are employed throughout the programme, and are supported by Blackboard, the virtual learning environment, provided by the University. A seminar program involving external speakers with International reputations in the field will be established and you will have the chance to discuss specific issues with them in tutorial sessions to be held after the seminar. In addition, the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences have regular internal research seminars and attendance at these is encouraged. The teaching methods focus on student-centred approaches to learning. In this way you will develop the attributes needed for life-long learning and continued professional development.
The teaching and learning methods implemented to engage you in developing your knowledge and understanding of the programme include formal lectures, workshops, laboratory investigations critical appraisal, coursework assignments and directed study. This will develop learning outcomes LO1 to 3. The method of assessment is by unseen written examination using constructed-response (essay) type questions, coursework, assignments, oral presentation, dissertation and project work.
The overall study direction which you will take will incorporate optionality through your choice of subjects in both the critical appraisal and project modules within the programme. The focus of your studies in these modules will be selected from a range of areas and topics provided to you, covering several areas within the safety pharmacology and toxicology disciplines. Within the research project, both laboratory based (‘wet’) and literature based (‘dry’) projects will be available, the choice being made by the student in consultation with the programme team. Together these study options will contribute to development of your skills particularly in learning outcomes LO5 to 9.
The methods implemented in developing your intellectual skills (learning outcomes LO2 and LO5 to 9) include engaging with you during tutorials, involvement in small-group seminars, Journal Clubs, laboratory investigations and individual project-based work. The methods of assessment of intellectual skills are implicit in the written examinations, experimental coursework and more particularly your project work. Intellectual skills will also be monitored throughout the programme via your oral and written communication skills.
The methods implemented in developing your practical skills include laboratories linked with the taught modules (outcomes LO1 to 3 and 5 to 9). You will also perform laboratory studies and use laboratory instruments under supervision during your project work. Your project work will specifically develop outcomes LO4, and LO5 to 13. The methods of assessment of practical skills include feedback on laboratory work linked with the taught modules. Also a part of the mark of the Project report will be attributed to the Experimental Methodology and Presentation & Discussion of Results (outcomes LO5 to 9).
Modules throughout the programme will developor consolidate and assess your transferable skills, learning outcomes LO10 to 14.
The University of Bradford is well known for attracting students from a wide variety of background, experiences and countries. This and the learning facilities available to all students provide the conditions for students to develop and manage their learning. The University of Bradford mission statement, Making Knowledge Work, is imbedded in the philosophy of this programme, and is supported by well equipped practical and computational facilities. The methods of assessment of transferable skills are built into the structure of the examinations, case studies, and research or project work.
Assessment regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link:
Admission requirements
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications.
We are continually reviewing and developing our practices and policies to make the University more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may need to make some adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We would advise you to contact the programme leader before you apply to discuss these.
Up to 30 students can be admitted onto the Masters programme in Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology and we welcome applicants from outside the EU. Offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements will vary, but are set after consideration of each applicant’s academic background and achievements and all other relevant experience. As a general guideline, acceptance on the Masters programme requires an Honours degree in a related scientific discipline or equivalent. The expectation is that this would be at 2.2 classification or above.
Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency in English in accordance with University Regulations. For further details, see
Should you not be able to offer these grades then you should contact the Admissions Tutor for further advice.
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library at the Faculty of Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each Faculty provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your references properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in both our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our journals are available online (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account, personal information and programme-related materials this way.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available.
Student Support & Guidance
The Institute of Cancer Therapeutics will integrate the established practices of the Department of Biomedical Sciences that has a good reputation in this area with students on the Masters programme being supported by both a dedicated Programme Tutor through fortnightly meetings with the cohort of students and allocated individual personal tutorial support. Regular Staff Student Liaison meetings inform the programme team of student views and Academic Committee meetings have student representation. Student academic support also is provided by individual tutors / supervisors for the Critical Appraisal and Research Project through regular meetings for the duration of these activities. Formalised formative feedback is given on drafts of these elements prior to submission.
Programme Team
Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. The Faculty will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’ Union, through a system of student representatives and formal staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The Students Union provide professional academic representation and advice. The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s Union.
Employability and Career Development
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their employability profile, commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan.
Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and help to you find part time work, summer work placements, internship programmes and graduate/postgraduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students will receive seminars and workshops delivered by Career Development Services as part of their programme of study. All students are encouraged to access Career Development Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources available on their web site
Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all postgraduates to find out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc. The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services’ website