University of Bradford
Postgraduate Programme specification
UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
Faculty of Life Sciences
Institute of Cancer Therapeutics
Programme Title: Cancer Drug Discovery
Awarding and teaching
institution:
University of Bradford
Final and interim awards:
Master of Science
Postgraduate Diploma
Postgraduate Certificate
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
level 7]
Cancer Drug Discovery
Programme title:
Programme approved /
accredited by:
N/A
Relevant subject
benchmark statement(s):
N/A
Duration:
UCAS code:
1 year full-time
N/A
FHEQ Level:
7
Approved :
August 2014
Background
Based upon a greater understanding of the molecular aspects of cancer progression, new
opportunities for chemical intervention in this disease have emerged. Medicinal chemists
provide the expertise required in translating that understanding to the identification of
suitable chemical entities, and to the process of optimisation that ultimately leads to the
discovery of new cancer medicines. This programme is designed to provide you with a
‘state of the art’ education in modern drug discovery, which meets the demand of
employers in pharmaceutical industry. Opportunities to learn the latest innovations in
drug discovery, including computer-aided drug design and techniques in parallel
synthesis as well as electronic data management are provided in the programme. In
addition, an extended project in drug discovery will not only provide you with first-hand
experience of the challenges in original research, but also gives you an opportunity to
put in practice the knowledge you have gained.
For career progression within this sector a postgraduate qualification is highly desirable.
For the pursuit of this type of programme, you must have a degree qualification, usually
in chemical or biological sciences. 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 the molecular basis of
disease progression; and to enhance autonomous learning and personal transferable
skills. This programme will facilitate the 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:
A1
Enable you to develop a systematic understanding, critical awareness, and
skills in selected disciplines within the field of cancer drug discovery.
A2
Provide you with a detailed knowledge of common strategies and methods
for the design and discovery of new cancer medicines.
A3
Provide a strong knowledge base in the theory and practical skills of
synthetic organic chemistry and their application in cancer drug discovery.
A4
Develop within the context of drug discovery, a comprehensive
understanding of communication, research skills and scientific method.
A5
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.
Programme Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the programme you will be able to:
LO1 critically evaluate specialized areas of cancer drug discovery.
LO2 critically evaluate scientific literature and communicate scientific data.
LO3 critically evaluate and appraise experimental laboratory techniques with
specific emphasis on those relevant for efficient preparation of pure
organic compounds.
LO4 implement a research project, employ appropriate experimental
approaches and report your findings in relation to current knowledge and
understanding.
LO5
LO6
LO7
demonstrate critical thinking through an ability to independently:
 recognise, define and prioritise problems;
 analyse, interpret, objectively evaluate and prioritise information,
recognising its limitations;
demonstrate a conceptual understanding of research and scientific method
through ability to independently:
 critically evaluate methodology;
 critically analyse and interpret data;
 formulate conclusions based on complete and incomplete data.
 critically evaluate strategies for experimental design and drug
synthesis.
 critically analyse a therapeutic target and current therapeutic
approaches to that specific target.
Prepare and implement a programme of independent learning through
reflective study
LO8
Apply skills in time-management, oral presentation, written communication
specifically by:
 writing and interpreting scientific reports.
 giving an oral scientific presentation.
The Curriculum
The Postgraduate Diploma is studied over two semesters, each comprising of 60 Credits
studied as double (20 Credit) or linked (10+10 Credits) modules. The programme is
designed as a core curriculum amounting to 40 Credits in semester 1 and 20 Credits in
semester 2. A further 20 Credits in semester 1 and 40 Credits in semester 2 are studied
from optional curriculum offered at ICT and other FLS schools. The Masters programme
follows on from this and incorporates an additional 60 Credit research project.
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies
A wide variety of teaching methods appropriate to the learning outcomes of the
individual modules is employed throughout the programme, which is 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 opportunity to discuss scientific issues with them. In
addition, the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics has 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. All students will be supported by a
dedicated Programme Tutor for the duration of the programme. Academic support is
also provided by individual tutors / supervisors for the Critical Appraisal and Research
Project through regular meetings for the duration of these activities.
Module
Code
Module Title
Module Credit Level
Type
s
Sem
Postgraduate Certificate
CR-4016D
CR-4008L
CR-4014L
CR-4006D
CR-4001D
Principles of Drug Discovery
Research & Analytical Methods
Critical Appraisal of a Current Topic
in Drug Discovery
Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology
Molecular Basis of Cancer & Cancer
Therapy
Core
Core
Core
20
10
10
7
7
7
1
1&2
1&2
Optional
Optional
20
20
7
7
1
1
If you have achieved the regulatory credit points at Level 7 and have achieved
learning outcomes LO 1-3 and 5-8, you may exit the programme and are eligible
for the award of Postgraduate Certificate
Postgraduate Diploma
CR-4008L
CR-4014L
Research & Analytical Methods
Critical Appraisal of a Current Topic
in Drug Discovery
Core
Core
10
10
7
7
1&2
1&2
CR-4013D
Case Studies in Drug Discovery
CR-4012D
Chemical Toolbox for Drug Discovery
CR-4010D
Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity
Optiona
l
Optiona
l
Optiona
l
20
7
2
20
7
2
20
7
2
If you have achieved the regulatory credit points at Level 7 and have achieved
learning outcomes LO 1-3 and 5-8, you may exit the programme and are eligible
for the award of Postgraduate Diploma.
Master of Science
CR-4015Z
Research Project in Drug Discovery
60
7
3
If you have achieved the regulatory credit points at Level 7 and have achieved learning
outcomes LO 1-8, you are eligible for the award of Master of Science.
The curriculum may change subject to the university programme approval, monitoring
and review procedures.
Learning outcome LO1 will be developed through a series of lectures, workshops and
directed study and assessed by unseen written examination questions, critical appraisal,
and course work assignments. Learning outcome LO2 will be developed and assessed
by critical appraisal and course work. Acquisition of learning outcomes LO3 and LO4
will occur gradually and cumulatively through a number of modules employing a mix of
lectures, investigations, workshops, individual project work and directed private study.
They will be assessed by an unseen written examination using constructed-response
(essay) type questions, course work, assignments, oral presentation, dissertation and
project work.
Directed private study will involve you in a variety of activities, which include directed
reading of selected textbooks and specified source literature, Blackboard (directed Webbased materials), report writing and other assignments.
The development of learning outcomes LO5 and LO6 will be through involvement in
small-group seminars, laboratory investigations and individual project-based work and
assessed by critical appraisal, course work, seminar paper, written assignment, oral
presentation and project work. Key skills are embedded in the curriculum and some
modules develop or consolidate and assess one or more of the key skills listed in
learning outcomes LO7 and LO8.
More detailed description of the way that learning is related to assessment in the
modules that make up this programme can be found on the module descriptors.
Assessment regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for
Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link:
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/
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 to the Masters programme in Drug discovery, and
this may include a significant number of 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 other relevant experience. As a general guideline,
acceptance on the Masters programme requires an Honours degree in chemical or
biological sciences, or related disciplines. 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 http://www.bradford.ac.uk/international/before-you-apply/english-languagerequirements/. Students with prior certificated learning or prior experiential learning
may be accredited on a case by case basis by a claim for recognition of prior learning
(RPL).
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 and Guidance
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.
Learner Development Unit for Academic Skills Advice
For postgraduate students on taught programmes who are looking to improve their
marks during their time at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all
regardless of degree discipline. Students can access a programme of interactive
workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition to our
extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide range
of online and paper based materials for self-study.
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/academic-skills/index.php
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are
committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone. The
Disability Service can help by providing support, advice and equipment to help you get
the most out of your time at Bradford. It is a place where you can discuss any concerns
you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study,
personal care or other issues. For more information contact the Disability Service by
phoning: 01274 233739 or via email: disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
University policies and initiatives
Ecoversity
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles of
sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching, research
activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not claim to be a
beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading University in this
area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including teaching spaces,
laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our commitments to
sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this initiative is crucial to its
success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a clear signal that it is at the
forefront of our thinking in programme development, delivery, monitoring and review.
For more details see http://www.brad.ac.uk/about/ecoversity/
Further Information:
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions.
The Admissions Office
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
http://www.brad.ac.uk/study/ourcourses/
The Postgraduate Admissions
Tutor Institute of Cancer
Therapeutics
Faculty of Life Sciences
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233226
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/lifesciences/
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the
University's regulations and programme approval, enhancement and review
procedures.