MSc / Diploma in Chemical Biology
Course Duration and Mode of Study
Aims & Objectives
The MSc/Diploma in Chemical Biology programme offers an opportunity for chemistry graduates to obtain an advanced masters degree or graduate diploma within one calendar year. The principle objective of the programme is to supplement a student's primary qualification with advanced knowledge and skills in synthetic and chemical biology which will enhance his or her prospects of a successful career in the worldwide chemical pharmaceutical and allied industries.
The aims and objectives are to:
- prepare the student to move directly into graduate level employment in the pharmaceutical industry;
- provide advanced training in modern organic chemistry applied to the understanding of biological processes and drug discovery for graduates with a BSc/MSci degree or equivalent in a Chemistry or related subject;
- provide the student with an appreciation of how biological systems work from a chemical perspective and an appreciation of why and how chemical understanding of biological processes facilitates drug discovery;
- provide an overview of the chemistry pertinent to modern drug design, and to enable the student to achieve a high level of research competence and to gain experience through training in advanced organic synthesis, chemical analysis, enzymology and biochemistry.
Programme Overview
The taught programme highlights the key role of organic chemistry in understanding biological processes and how this relates drug discovery strategies. It addresses the principles of protein structures and biochemistry from a chemical stand-point and, identifies the principles under-lying protein expression/manipulation and biological assays. A chemist with strong expertise in organic synthesis will then be able to use this knowledge to better identify and synthesise effectively biologically and/or pharmacologically active molecules.
The lab-based course will provide training in how to identify problems arising in practical organic chemistry. This includes the identification of the required primary literature, ability to adapt known methodology, ability to identify practical and synthetic issues at each step of a reaction and finally the ability to use the appropriate analytical tools to confirm the nature of the product synthesized.
The research project and dissertation will provide training in how to tackle a significant research problem in chemical biology. There is a strong emphasis to development of critical thinking, analysis of data and independent research.
Course Overview
The course structure is set out in the following table
periods |
modules |
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Sept-Jan |
Protein structure and function |
Synthesis of biological molecules: a retro-synthetic approach |
Critical Thinking, Literature Review and Research Preparation |
Jan-May |
Biological targets and Drug Design (Provisional for 2012/13) |
Drug design, molecular modelling and lead compound identification and validation |
Advanced Skills in Organic Synthesis Research (practical) |
March-Aug |
Research Project |
|
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The course will comprise 5 taught modules (20 CATS point each, i.e 100 CATS points overall), 1 laboratory-based training module (20 CATS point) and 1 laboratory-based project with dissertation, which is equivalent to 3 taught modules (60 CATS points). The course therefore meets the QAA requirement of 180 CATS points for a Master’s course.
Module Content
Module1: Protein structure and function (School of Biological Sciences)
This module is to provide the student with an understanding of the biology of macromolecules and of some of the techniques used in their studies.
The following three modules (modules 2, 3, and 4) are designed to enable chemistry graduates to understand how chemistry and biology combine to help solve medicinally-related problems. These advanced courses emphasise the biological chemistry and enzymology components of drug-discovery and provides a structure for scientists in the early stage of their career wanting to acquire high quality knowledge in applied medicinal chemistry.
Module 2: Synthesis of biological molecules: a retro-synthetic approach (School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering)
This is an advanced course in medicinal chemistry with an emphasis on organic synthesis knowledge and the synthetic skill component to drug-discovery.
Module 3: Biological targets and drug design (School of Pharmacy – provisional for 2012/13)
This course explores the concepts of practical enzymology and their relationship to design of receptors and inhibitors, pharmacokinetics and toxicology alongside a number of case studies.
Module 4: Drug design, molecular modelling and lead compound identification and validation
This is an advanced course in medicinal chemistry with an emphasis on molecular modelling of biological system and in silico-skill component to drug-discovery.
Module 5: Critical Thinking, Literature Review and Research Preparation
Module 6: Advanced Skills in Organic Synthesis Research
8-weeks synthesis/analytical chemistry laboratory-based module
A strong emphasis is placed on the applied aspects of synthesis and analytical chemistry, and as part of the course, students have full access to the core facilities of the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.
Module 7: Research Project
12-weeks medicinal chemistry based joint research-project available in either the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Pharmacy, School of Biological Sciences or the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRBC).
Assessment
Assessment will be 67% for taught modules and 33% for the dissertation. Students must satisfy the examiners separately in regard to the taught modules, the conduct of the project and the project dissertation. The pass mark for the MSc is at 50%, although students achieving a higher standard in their examinations and their project may be awarded an MSc with “Commendation” or “Distinction". Students who do not meet the requirements for the award of the MSc may be considered for a Postgraduate Diploma. Assessment criteria for each module are detailed on the Schools virtual learning environment (QOL). The assessment for individual modules will therefore vary but will include written examinations, practicals, essays, coursework, class tests, projects etc. Assessment arrangements for each module are included in the module descriptions provided at the start of the academic year. The programme will follow established University assessment procedures and associated appeals arrangements.
Project/Dissertation
An essential part of the course is a laboratory-based research project with accompanying dissertation. This is equivalent to three module credits (60 CATs points). Work on the research project commences in May, and students are expected to submit their dissertation by the end of September. Students will join a research cluster to work on joint-projects run between the School of Chemical Engineering, the School of Biological Sciences, School of Pharmacy and the CCRCB and will be supervised for their project by an appropriate academic member of staff in the highlighted Schools.
Course Duration and Mode of Study
We expect that most, if not all, applicants will want to enrol on a full-time basis. The course will occupy 12 months for full-time students.
Entrance Requirements
Applicants will normally be required to possess at least a second class honours degree or equivalent in chemistry, or a closely allied subject. The School encourages applications from potential UK based, and international, students and adheres to University and “UK Border Agency” regulations on language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English.
Support for Learning
The course co-ordinator and module co-ordinators will be the primary sources of academic guidance and academic support for students. Students will have access to other members of staff teaching on the modules, and the students will be supported through the normal student support mechanisms available to all students in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at QUB. In addition, for the research project the student will join a research cluster and be assigned a supervisor who will offer guidance on the project. The School Office is a source of general advice and information for all students in the School.
Fees
Scholarships
The School does not presently offer any scholarships and the vast majority of students are expected to be self funding.
For the latest fees and funding information, please visit the Admissions Office website.
Students from the Republic of Ireland
You are eligible to apply for the North-South Masters Bursaries scheme run by Universities Ireland. Find out more
Application Procedure
Applications for admission must be made on-line at:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/home/StudyatQueens/PostgraduateStudents/ApplyingtoQueens/
Admissions Office
Queen's University Belfast
Belfast
Northern Ireland
BT7 1NN
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9097 5081
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9097 5137
E-mail: admissions@qub.ac.uk
For further information on the MSc/Diploma in Chemical Biology course, contact Programme Advisor
Dr. P. Stevenson
School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering
Queen's University Belfast
David Keir Building
Stranmillis Road
Belfast
Northern Ireland
BT9 5AG
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9097 4426
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9097 4627
E-mail: p.stevenson@qub.ac.uk
Sources of Funding
Finding funding for a Masters programme is often a lengthy and frustrating process. Each individual student’s circumstances will dictate the availability of funding sources. The links below give an overview of some of the specific schemes and general sources that have been set up to help students find funding. You should search widely using databases such as the Grant Register and the searchable web-based databases. Most funding is available on a competitive basis and will often be restricted to certain groups.
International and UK students should visit
http://www.qub.ac.uk/home/Research/PostgraduateOffice/PostgraduateAwards/
to see information on funding available to Queen’s University applicants.
The following information sources also provide details on a range of funding opportunities that may be suitable:
Annual Register of Grant Support 2012: A |
Information Today Inc (Author) |
Association of Charitable Foundations |
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Association of Commonwealth Universities |
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British Council Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO); UKCOSA. Studying in the UK: sources of funding for international students. |
Available (free): British Council, Bridgewater House, 58 Whitworth St, Manchester M1 6BB; http://www.britishcouncil.org/eduk-sources-of-funding-2007-08.pdf |
The Directory of Social Change - Directory of Grant Making Trusts |
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The Educational Grants Directory - available from Directory of Social Change |
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The Grants Register: The Complete Guide to Postgraduate Funding Worldwide (Grants Register) |
Published by |
UNESCO Study Abroad |
Available from Unesco |
North-South Bursaries |
Available from |
Information on funding for students from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland |
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National Postgraduate Committee charity - information on postgraduate funding |
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Prospects - information on funding |
