Decisions and guidelines

The education is carried out in accordance with The Higher Education Ordinance and Uppsala University's educational programmes, aims and strategies, rules and guidelines considering for example equal opportunities, quality assurance procedures and sustainable development.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university.

Also required is 15 credits in pharmacology and physiology, as well as 15 credits in general and organic chemistry.

Language requirements

Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.

Aims

After completing the programme the student should have advanced knowledge and skills in subject areas that concern drug development from idea to registered product. Drug development is a long and complicated process that requires broad skills. During the programme, the student has the opportunity to take courses in areas such as bioinformatics, biological drugs, molecular imaging, molecular biopharmaceutics and clinical trial methodology. Specialisation is offered in specific drug development subject areas through elective modules including a degree project. The student will be prepared for an independent professional career in the pharmaceutical field and the programme is also appropriate for students who want to continue with third-cycle courses and study programmes.

To apply for the Master's (120 credits) programme, a Bachelor's degree or the equivalent three-year first-cycle programmes is the minimum requirement. The programme builds further on knowledge from the first cycle and implies thus a progression in relation to the first-cycle programmes. Additional specialisation takes place with the independent master's project during the final semester.

Learning outcomes

For Degree of Master (120 credits) in drug development, the student should be able to

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding within the main field of study, including both broad expertise in the area and advanced knowledge within specific areas as well as advanced understanding of current research and development;
• demonstrate advanced methodological knowledge in the area of drug development
• demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge, to analyse, assess and handle complex processes, questions and situations also with limited information
• demonstrate the ability to critically, independently and creatively identify and formulate issues as well as to plan and with suitable methods carry out qualified assignments in given time frames; to evaluate such work and thereby contribute to the development of knowledge
• demonstrate the ability to, in both national and international contexts, orally and in writing discuss obtained results and conclusions as well as the underlying scientific principles in groups within and outside the subject area.
• demonstrate the necessary skills to participate in research and development work, or to work independently in other qualified activities.
• demonstrate the ability to make assessments considering relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects and demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development within the field of drug development.
• demonstrate an understanding of the possibilities and limitations of science, its role in society and the responsibility of humans for its use.
• demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and to take responsibility for his/her own knowledge development.

Layout of the programme

The first year consists of compulsory courses with the aim to provide the student a broad knowledge in drug development. During the second year, the student chooses courses, either among recommended specialisations, or freely among elective courses. At the end of the programme, the student undertakes a master's project, either 30 or 45 credits.

Instruction

Instruction is conducted in a range of formats including lectures, seminars, group assignments, laboratory sessions and independent project work. The programme is given full-time, daytime with certain exceptions for the elective courses. The programme is given in English.

Courses in the programme

The aim and contents of the courses are evident from respective course syllabi. At beginning of each course, detailed instructions about teaching and examination are given. Compulsory attendance is required at sections that are stated as compulsory in respective course syllabi. Certain courses may be given in parallel.

Degree

Degree of Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Science with a major in Drug Discovery and Development is achieved after 120 credits, of which at least 60 credits in the main field of study including a degree project about at least 30 credits.