Entry requirements

180 credits from a biomedicine, pharmacy or biology programme or equivalent education providing knowledge within cell and molecular biology, chemistry and biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology and neurobiology. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide solid preparation for doctoral studies and careers in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, enabling students to conduct advanced research in various areas of biomedicine. Special focus is placed on how new drug targets are identified and evaluated. The course also includes training for the job market, such as interview preparation, and oral and written presentation skills.

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

• describe how new drug targets are identified and evaluated.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• write a research proposal that includes justification for the importance of a proposed study and how it can be carried out.
• apply biomedical laboratory methods.
• compile and analyze results in both written and oral formats.

JUDGEMENT AND APPROACH

• evaluate different bioinformatics tools for analyzing and searching for phenotypic and genotypic data using various databases.
• reflect on and discuss the ethical aspects of conducting experiments involving humans.
• critically analyze, interpret, and draw conclusions from experimental data, and present findings both orally and in writing (assessed through an in-depth project).
• plan a series of biomedical research experiments, identify strengths and weaknesses in their planning, and suggest areas for improvement.
• reflect on the skills and qualities required for professional development in the pharmaceutical industry and academic research.

Content

The course consists of several combined theoretical and practical components covering target proteins, target systems, methods, and applications in biomedicine. It provides an overview of commonly used methods to evaluate drug targets, and specifically how to interpret data generated by these methods.

Drug development and advanced biomedical research are placed in context through presentations by active researchers who describe their own areas of study. This gives students insight into the latest findings in research fields relevant to drug development.

Through an in-depth project, students will have the opportunity to develop ideas about how research projects can be conducted and improve their understanding of the interaction between theoretical and practical knowledge. The in-depth work includes critical review of scientific literature and is presented orally at a seminar.

Case studies are used to encourage independent problem-solving. Laboratory sessions provide students with hands-on experience using techniques relevant to drug development.

Instruction

Teaching consists of: Lectures, Case seminars, In-depth project work, Demonstrations, Laboratory sessions. Special emphasis is placed on encouraging students to work independently and solve problems on their own.

Mandatory components: Course introduction, Seminars and prioritized subject lectures. All components related to labs, case studies, demonstrations, and in-depth assignments, including group meetings, reviews, and presentations.

Assessment

To pass the course, the student must:

i) actively participate in and present all mandatory components (laboratory sessions, case studies, seminars, prioritized subject lectures and group work presentations)

ii) submit approved written laboratory reports

iii)  pass a written take-home exam

iv) complete and pass the in-depth project

v)  pass a final exam at the end of the course

Make-up assignments or alternative examinations for mandatory components are only offered to students who, for special reasons (e.g., accident, sudden illness), could not attend the regular sessions.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.