Msc Safety Pharmacology

University of Bradford

Institute of Cancer Therapeutics

Award and Teaching Institution: University of Bradford Final Award: MSc (QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications at Level M) Programme Title: Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology Duration: Fulltime (1 year) Subject Benchmark statement: Not applicable Date Produced: March, 2008; Updated July 2010

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 course in Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology will 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 vivo studies. The MSc Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology course 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 course is designed to meet the demand of employers and provide you with a comprehensive overview of the Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology process.

The course 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 course is 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 course promotes advanced scholarship within specialised areas concomitant with the development of key transferable skills (in IT and bioinformatics) and research techniques. The course 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 course 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 course will equip you with the skills to succeed as lifelong learners.

A. Programme Aims The programme is intended to:

A1 Enable you to develop a systematic understanding and critical awareness of, and skills in, selected disciplines within the field of toxicology and safety pharmacology. A2 To provide you with practical and hands-on skills applicable to the Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology subject area A3 Develop within the context of Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology, a comprehensive understanding of communication, research and scientific method; A4 Provide you with a detailed knowledge of pre-clinical experimental approaches and legislative regulations A5 To provide learning opportunities to enable you to think critically and to further develop as an autonomous and lifelong learner; A6 Further develop your ability in a range of personal and key skills.

B. Programme Learning Outcomes On successful completion of the programme you will be able to:

B1. Subject Knowledge & Skills B1.1 Critically evaluate specialised areas of toxicology and safety pharmacology. B1.2 Discuss scientific literature and communicate scientific data. B1.3 Appraise experimental laboratory techniques with specific emphasis on obtaining the qualification for a Home Office personal license for animal studies. B1.4 Demonstrate 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.

B2. Core Academic Skills B2.1 Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of research and scientific method through ability to independently formulate conclusions based on complete and incomplete data B2.2 Apply scientific principles to the critical analysis of problems in order to determine the safety profile of agents under evaluation B2.3 Apply standard laboratory methods to obtain accurate data B2.4 Critically evaluate pre-clinical strategies of drug analysis in vitro and in vivo. B2.5 Use software packages in the analysis and reporting of screening and safety profiling of drugs

B3 Personal & Key Skills B3.1 Develop autonomy in learning and apply skills in; time-management, presentation, written communication and problem-solving. B3.2 Communicate with a variety of audiences using a range of techniques B3.3 Use problem solving strategies to develop innovative solutions B3.4 Develop practical and in vivo skills applicable to the drug toxicology and safety pharmacology discipline B3.5 Reflect on the need for further personal and professional development to improve your own performance. C. The Curriculum

The Masters 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.

D. Teaching, Learning & 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 school 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.

Unit Code Unit Title Module Credits Level Sem Type Semester 1 CR-4006D Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology Core 20 M 1 CR-4002D Preclinical models for drug evaluation. Core 20 M 1 CR-4007L Critical Appraisal of a Current Topic in Core 10 M 1 Safety Pharmacology (Linked) CR-4008L Research and Analytical Methods in Core 10 M 1 Safety Pharmacology (Linked) Semester 2 CR-4009D Experimental Design for Safety Core 20 M 2 Pharmacology CR-4010D Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity Core 20 M 2 CR-4008L Research and Analytical Methods in Core 10 M 2 Safety Pharmacology (Linked) CR-4007L Critical Appraisal of a Current Topic in Core 10 M 2 Safety Pharmacology (Linked) CR-4011Z Research Project (safety pharm.) 60 M N/A

The teaching and learning methods implemented to engage you in developing your knowledge and understanding of the course include formal lectures, workshops, laboratory investigations critical appraisal, course work assignments and directed study. This will develop outcomes B1.1 to B1.3. The method of assessment is by unseen written examination using constructed-response (essay) type questions, course work, 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 course. 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 course team. Together these study options will contribute to development of your skills particularly in outcomes B2.1 to B2.5.

The methods implemented in developing your intellectual skills (outcomes B1.2 and B2.1 to B2.5) 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 course via your oral and written communication skills.

The methods implemented in developing your practical skills include laboratories linked with the taught modules (outcomes B1.1 to B1.4 and B2.1 to B2.5). You will also perform laboratory studies and use laboratory instruments under supervision during your project work. Your project work will specifically develop outcomes B1.4, B2.1 to B2.5, and B3.1 to B3.4. The methods of assessment of practical skills include feedback on laboratory work linked with the taught modules. Also a large part of the mark of the Project report will be attributed to the Experimental Methodology and Presentation & Discussion of Results (outcomes B2.1 to B2.5).

The methods implemented in developing your transferable skills are implicit in the programme. Many of the modules will develop or consolidate and assess one or more of the key skills of outcomes B3.1 to B3.5.

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 course, 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.

E. Admission requirements

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 course. 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. All students must satisfy the English language requirements for admission as described in http://www.brad.ac.uk/international/english-prepare.php. If your native language is not English, you will have to pass a test in English approved by the University before you can be admitted. The following qualifications are acceptable as satisfying this requirement. Both are available internationally. . The International English Language Testing Service Test (IELTS) administered by the British Council is the test which is preferred by the University. You will need to achieve an Overall Band of at least 6.5, with at least 5.5 in each of the four sub-tests. Testing facilities are available at most British Council overseas offices. When you take your test, you should ask for a copy of your Test Report Form to be sent to the University. . The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, USA. You will need to score at least 550 (220 on the computer-based test). If you take this test, you should enter the University’s code 0828, on your answer sheet. Should you not be able to offer these grades then you should contact the Admissions Tutor for further advice.

F. Assessment regulations

To be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology you must attain at least 40% in individual units amounting to 100 Credits and at least 35% in individual units amounting to the other 20 credits. To be eligible for the award of Masters in Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology you must attain at least 40% in individual units amounting to 160 Credits (including a 60 Credit Research Project) at least 35% in individual units amounting to 20 credits. If you obtain an overall weighted average of at least 70% at the first attempt, including a mark of over 70% in the 60 Credit project at first attempt you will be awarded a Masters degree with Distinction. If you obtain an overall weighted average of at least 60% at the first attempt, including a mark of over 60% in the 60 Credit project at first attempt will be awarded a Masters degree with Merit. The full assessment regulations covering postgraduate courses are available on the University website.

G. 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 Course Tutor through fortnightly meetings with the cohort of students and allocated individual personal tutorial support. Regular Staff Student Liaison meetings inform the course 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. Departmental support is enhanced by University Learning Support Services that includes Library and Computing services, a Careers Service and a Disabilities Office.

H. Further Information

Further information can be obtained from the Postgraduate Admissions Tutor, Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford (www.cancer.brad.ac.uk).