Drug discovery and development

This is a second-cycle course in Biology and is designed to provide an advanced knowledge in Drug Development. The course can be included as a part of a Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology and Biology, or as part of a Master's degree in Molecular Biology and Biology. The course is also offered as a freestanding course.

For admission to the course, approved courses of 120 credits in the field of natural science are required, of which at least 15 credits must be within the main subject molecular biology and 15 credits in the main subject chemistry or equivalent. In addition, Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/ English level 2 from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

This course shall focus on a building an overall understanding of the discovery and development of novel pharmaceuticals (drug discovery/development), covering a wide spectrum of target selection, lead discovery/optimization, non clinical in vitro/in
vivo safety and efficacy studies, clinical trials, and market authorization. Examples are also given of existing drugs, how they have been developed, and their mechanisms of action. The course is mostly theoretical, but in certain parts, practical demonstrations are also included.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
Knowledge and understanding

• describe and understand the different processes and approaches used in drug development.
• have knowledge about different working methods used in industry.

Competence and skills

• be able to describe the concepts and terminology within the subject field.
• be able to read and understand scientific articles within the subject.

Judgement and approach

• show ability to analyze, evaluate and critically discuss achieved results and other information, both written and orally.
• be able to critically evaluate scientific articles in the subject.

The course is based on lectures and study visits with demonstrations. Each student will also do a individual project work in the form of writing a scientific report and giving an oral presentation at the end of the course. All moments except the lectures are compulsory.

Language of instruction: English

The 50% of the final grade is based on the written examination and 50% is based on the individual literature project.
Missed compulsory sessions may be made up during the course when that is possible, or the next time the course runs.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.