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 Bradford
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:
N/A
Relevant subject benchmark
statement(s):
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 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 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 programme 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 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:
A1
A2
A3
A4
Enable you to develop a systematic understanding and critical
awareness of, and skills in, selected disciplines within the field of
toxicology and safety pharmacology.
To provide you with practical and hands-on skills applicable to the
Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology subject area
Develop within the context of Drug Toxicology and Safety
Pharmacology, a comprehensive understanding of communication,
research and scientific method;
Provide you with a detailed knowledge of pre-clinical experimental
approaches and legislative regulations
A5
A6
To provide learning opportunities to enable you to think critically and
to further develop as an autonomous and lifelong learner;
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 specialised areas of toxicology and safety
pharmacology.
LO2
Discuss scientific literature and communicate scientific data.
LO3
Appraise experimental laboratory techniques with specific emphasis
on obtaining the qualification for a Home Office personal license for
animal studies.
LO4
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.
LO5
Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of research and scientific
method through ability to independently formulate conclusions based
on complete and incomplete data
LO6
Apply scientific principles to the critical analysis of problems in order
to determine the safety profile of agents under evaluation
LO7
Apply standard laboratory methods to obtain accurate data
LO8
Critically evaluate pre-clinical strategies of drug analysis in vitro and in
vivo.
LO9
Use software packages in the analysis and reporting of screening and
safety profiling of drugs
LO10 Develop autonomy in learning and apply skills in; time-management,
presentation, written communication and problem-solving.
LO11 Communicate with a variety of audiences using a range of techniques
LO12 Use problem solving strategies to develop innovative solutions
LO13 Develop practical and in vivo skills applicable to the drug toxicology
and safety pharmacology discipline
LO14 Reflect on the need for further personal and professional development
to improve your own performance.
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.
Module
Code
Module Title
Module
Type
Credits
Level
Sem
Core
20
7
1
Core
20
7
1
Core
20
7
1&2
Core
20
7
1&2
Postgraduate Certificate
CR-4006D
CR-4002D
CR-4007L
CR-4008L
Toxicology and Safety
Pharmacology
Preclinical models for drug
evaluation.
Critical Appraisal of a Current
Topic in Safety Pharmacology
Research and Analytical
Methods in Safety
Pharmacology
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
BM-9133D Experimental Design
CR-4010D Molecular Mechanisms of
Toxicity
CR-4008L Research and Analytical
Methods in Safety
Pharmacology
CR-4007L Critical Appraisal of a Current
Topic in Safety Pharmacology
Core
Core
20
20
7
7
2
2
Core
20
7
1&2
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
CR-4011Z
Research Project (safety
pharm.)
Core
60
7
N/A
If 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 and review 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 develop or 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:
http://www.brad.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 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 http://www.bradford.ac.uk/international/before-youapply/english-language-requirements/
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 programmerelated 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
throughout your time as a student and as a graduate
Development Services. The support available from Career
Services includes a wide range of information resources,
is available
from Career
Development
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
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/careers/
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
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/careers/
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
Postgraduate Admissions
Administrator
Institute of Cancer Therapeutics
Faculty of Life Sciences
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
Email: sls-postgradcourseadmissions@bradford.ac.uk
+44 (0)1274 233054
Tel: +44 (0) 1274 234706
http://www.brad.ac.uk/study/our- http://www.bradford.ac.uk/lifecourses/
sciences/
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the
University's regulations and programme approval, enhancement and review
procedures.