MSc in Model-based Drug Development

at University of Manchester

Course unit details

Year 1 (full-time)
 

Term 1 (September to January)

• Introduction to clinical trials (15 credits). This online unit provides an overview of the drug development process followed by in-depth coverage of scientific, statistical and regulatory considerations in the design and interpretation of clinical trials.
• Basic Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (15 credits). This unit provides information on how drugs get into the body, how they get around the body and how they are removed from the body
• In Vitro - In Vivo Extrapolation in ADME (15 credits). The applications of modelling and simulation have been limited to the so-called phase I-III of drug development. This unit provides information on modelling and simulation as applied to extrapolating data from in vitro systems to the in vivo conditions (IVIVE) prior to phase I.
• Biostatistics in Clinical Trials (15 credits). This unit is designed to give the student an understanding of fundamental statistical concepts that are routinely used in designing clinical trials or interpreting trial results.
   

Term 2 (February to May)

• Data Analysis in PKPD (30 credits). This addresses the specialised area of modelling that combines mathematical and statistical knowledge in data fitting with the sound knowledge of the human body as a system. The unit emphasises the value and implementation of mechanistic models. You will be introduced to different types of modelling packages and learn how to choose which package is best for a given application.
• Advanced topics in modelling and simulation (15 credits). This unit focuses on the elements that make up a successful modelling and simulation project. We consider the scientific and commercial rationale for undertaking a modelling project, and how these rationales then guide the project design. After reviewing case studies which illustrate the characteristics of a successful project, you will create a research proposal on a topic of current importance in the general area of modelling, simulation and data analysis. The primary aim should be to identify a gap in knowledge and investigate this area by proposing a detailed research project.
• Advanced topics in Physiologically-based PK models (15 credits). This unit provides further training on the use of mechanistic pharmacokinetic models, which use mathematical descriptions of physiological processes to predict the fate of drug molecules within the human body. The unit addresses two key aspects of IVIVE: 1) developing mathematical representation of key chemical and physiological processes that affect drug molecules in the body, and 2) defining the relationships that link these processes.
   

Term 3 (May to September)

• Supervised research project/dissertation (60 credits). This unit follows on directly from the research proposal in modelling and simulation (PHAR69924).
   

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
 

Title

• Supervised Research Project on M&S - Dissertation
• Basic Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
• PBPK and In Vitro In Vivo Extrapolation (IVIVE) (1) Fundamental Concepts
• Data Analysis in Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
• Advanced Research Topics and Project Development in Modelling and Simulation
• Biostatistics
• PBPK and IVIVE 2 Advanced Concepts and Applications
• Introduction to Clinical Trials (PIAT 18)

Academic entry qualification overview
 

We require an UG honours degree (minimum Lower Second or equivalent) from a reputable internationally-recognised institution in:

• Pharmaceutical sciences and other health sciences related degrees;

• Biomedical sciences;

• Pharmacology;

• Chemistry;

• Engineering;

• Mathematics;

• Statistics.
   

English language
 

English language students whose first language is not English require a minimum of one of the following:

• IELTS: 6.5 with at least 6.0 in writing

• Internet-based TOEFL: 90 with a minimum of 22 in each component.

• MSc (full-time)
  
  UK students (per annum): £14,000
  
  International, including EU, students (per annum): £27,500

This course was originally developed for scientists working within the pharmaceutical industry who wished to qualify as modellers with hands-on experience. The qualification will enhance your abilities within your current role or provide you with skills to progress into new posts.

The course is also appropriate for science and engineering graduates who wish to enter the industry. The role of modelling and simulation or pharmacometrics is assuming greater and greater importance in the pharmaceutical industry.

Pharmaceutical companies and government regulatory agencies are recognising its value in making best use of laboratory and clinical data, guiding and expediting development and saving time and costs.

A range of well-paid jobs exist in this area across the globe. Scientific and industry publications often discuss the current shortage and growing need for modellers.