Drug 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 or 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.

The course is designed to provide information to modern thinking in drug development, with emphasis on the earlier part of the process (drug discovery). Among other things, the following steps are taken up: identification and validation of new cellular target molecules; interactions between inhibitor and target molecule; optimization of small molecules for better binding and stability; bioinformatics; genetic model organisms; methods for high throughput screening. Invited lecturers will address various applied and basic scientific aspects and opportunity will be given to study practical ways of working.

After completion of the course the student is expected to 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, study visits with demonstrations and other groups exercises as shown in the course schedule. All moments except the lectures are compulsory.

Language of instruction: English

A written examination is held at the end of the course.

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.