LONDON’S GLOBAL UNIVERSITY
PHARMACOGENETICS AND
STRATIFIED MEDICINE MSc /
2016/17 ENTRY
www.ucl.ac.uk/graduate/biosciences
Pharmacogenetics and Stratified Medicine MSc /
This programme brings together the academic and
clinical strengths of pharmacology and genetics at
UCL in this rapidly growing area of science.
Students develop a body of knowledge about the
genetic variation between underlying differential
responses to drugs and how this can be applied to
prevent adverse drug reactions and improve
healthcare.
Degree summary Students gain an in-depth knowledge of the pharmacology of drugs; the
consequences of drug treatment; the analysis and statistical methods
used to study population groups and how this knowledge can be applied
to improve human health, drug efficacy and alleviate human disease, and
develop the skills necessary for independent research.
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UCL conducts internationally recognised research in the fields of
pharmacology, biochemistry and human genetics and is in a unique
position to offer both the basic science and application of
pharmacogenetics to improve human health, including
multidisciplinary outreach across the university. The teaching is
provided by academics from the UCL Division of Biosciences, the
School of Pharmacy and the UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science.
The Division of Biosciences offers tuition, research opportunities in
internationally recognised laboratories and an appreciation of the
multidisciplinary nature of Biosciences research.
Students have the advantages of studying in a multi-faculty university
with a long tradition of excellence, situated within the heart of one of
the world's greatest cities.
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars,
tutorials, presentations and journal clubs. Taught modules are assessed
through an unseen written examination and/or, written reports, oral
presentations and coursework. The research project is assessed by the
dissertation and oral presentation.
Further information on modules and degree structure available on the
UCL Genetics Institute website.
Degree structure Mode: Full-time: 1 year
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme
consists of six core modules (90 credits), optional modules (30 credits)
and a research dissertation (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma comprising three core modules (60 credits) and
four optional modules (60 credits) is offered full-time nine months. A
Postgraduate Certificate comprising five modules (75 credits) is offered
full-time three months.
CORE MODULES
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Clinical Applications of Pharmacogenetic Tests
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Drug Design and Development
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Molecular Pharmacology
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Basic Statistics for Medical Sciences
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Human Genetics in Context
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Principles of Human Genetics (Henry Stewart online lectures)
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Core Skills
OPTIONS
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Pharmacology of Inflammation
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Anticancer Personalised Medicines
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Pharmacogenetics, Adverse Drug Reactions and Biomakers
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Computational and Systems Biology
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Genetics of Cardiovascular Disease
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Genetics of Neurological Disease
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Statistics for Interpreting Genetic Data
DISSERTATION/REPORT
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Students undertake an original laboratory or computer-based research project
investigating topical questions in pharmacogenetics which culminates in a dissertation of
up to 12,000 words and an oral presentation.
Your career Students emerge well versed in the different tools and scientific
disciplines which will allow them to make full use of the wide-ranging
genetic discoveries that have happened over the past decade and
increasingly inform our understanding of human biology and disease.
This positions them well for studentships in laboratories using genetic
techniques to examine diseases such as heart disease, cancer and
neurological disorders. Another large group will seek research jobs in the
pharmaceutical industry and healthcare organisations, where an
advanced training in laboratory genetic techniques as well as
bioinformatic and statistical experience will be of value.
Recent career destinations* include:
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Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford,
PhD student
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Geneix, Founder and Director
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Shanghai University, Research Assistant, 2014
University of Cambridge, PhD student, 2013
Informative Genomics, London, Business Development Manager,
2013
Employability
This programme covers a broad spectrum and opens avenues for
careers in biomedical sciences, the biotech industry, the industry of
manufacturers of analytical instruments, clinical laboratories and
clinicians interested in moving towards a scientific career. Students will
obtain a thorough grasp of the role that human genetic variation has on
the drug design and the drug development pathway and methods for the
discovery and testing of relevant pharmacogenetic variants. We expect
graduates to move on to PhDs, and/or build careers in industry or in the
context of clinical trials. Some of our graduates enter a research career
by undertaking and completing PhDs and working as a research
associate or scientist in academia and the pharmaceutical industry, while
others enter careers with clinical genetic diagnostic services. Those of
our graduates with a prior medical training often utilise their new skills as
clinical geneticists.
* data taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2010–2012 graduating cohorts
six months after graduation and, where necessary, departmental records.
Entry requirements Normally a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in
biomedical sciences or related subject area, or medical discipline from a
UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
Applicants with an appropriate professional qualification and relevant
work experience may also apply.
FEES AND FUNDING
// UK & EU (2016/17) entry: £12,570 (FT)
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Overseas (2016/17) entry: £24,400 (FT)
Full details of funding opportunities can be found on the UCL
Scholarships website: www.ucl.ac.uk/scholarships
English language proficiency level
APPLICATION DATE
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you
will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English
proficiency.
UK/EU applicants: 29 July 2016
The level of English language proficiency for this programme is: Good
<br><br> If your education has not been completed in the English
language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an
adequate level of English proficiency..
Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and
test providers is provided at:
www.ucl.ac.uk/graduate/english-requirements
Your application The deadline for uk/eu applicants is 29 July 2016.
The application deadline for overseas applicants is 29 July 2016.
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for
places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas
applicants) should take note of application deadlines.
When we assess your application we would like to learn:
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why you want to study Pharmacogenetics and Stratified Medicine at
graduate level
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why you want to study Pharmacogenetics and Stratified Medicine at
UCL
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what particularly attracts you to this programme
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where you would like to go professionally with your degree
how your personal, academic and professional background meets the
demands of a this rigorous programme
Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement
is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this
programme match what the programme will deliver.
Details on how to apply are available on the website at:
www.ucl.ac.uk/graduate/apply
PDF Updated: May 25, 2016
Information correct at time of going to press. See website (www.ucl.ac.uk/biosciences/) for latest information
Overseas applicants: 29 July 2016
CONTACT
Miss Samantha McDonagh
Email:
Telephone:
s.mcdonagh@ucl.ac.uk