MScStructural Biology and Rational Drug Design

Study location	United Kingdom, Colchester Campus
Type	Master courses, full-time
Nominal duration	1 year
Study language	English
Awards	MSc

Tuition fee	To be confirmed

Entry qualification

Undergraduate diploma (or higher) A degree with an overall 2.2, or equivalent, in a relevant subject such as: Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science(s), Genetics, Pharmacology, Medicine, Chemistry. Your degree should contain some Biology/Medical components including: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics, Drug Design, Immunology, Microbiology and Virology. We will also consider applicants with backgrounds in Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Data Science,Bioinformatics or Computer Science degrees on a case by case basis. The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original. You must take verified copies of the entry qualification documents along with you when you finally go to the university.

Language requirements	English IELTS: 6.5 overall with a minimum component score of 5.5

Other requirements	At least 1 reference(s) must be provided. Reference should be written on official letterhead, signed and dated. Please upload it in the Documents section. A motivation letter must be added to your application.

More information	essex.ac.uk/..-1265-ea11-8121-005056342d86

Overview

How does biological function arise from the atomic structure of the biological macromolecules and how can this understanding by translated into the medicines of the future?

Do you want to be at the forefront of modern day drug design? Structural biology has become a critical discipline for addressing the health challenges of the 21st century, from resurging drug resistance to personalised cancer treatments. Increasingly, it is a staple tool for any aspiring modern scientist in the field of biomedical sciences.

Our MSc Structural Biology and Rational Drug Design degree allows you to understanding how macromolecules are organised and how they function on an atomic level. This is particularly important in designing tailor-made drugs, which target specific macromolecules on the molecular level, whilst minimising side effects.

This research-led teaching programme is designed to give you the in-depth theoretical background required to understand the key concepts of structural biology. The research project will involve lab-based training, which will provide you with the essential hands-on experience in a range of state-of-the-art methods. A significant part of the course will be dedicated to computational biology and computer-aided drug design, equipping you with the valuable translational skills for your career.

MSc Structural Biology and Rational Drug Design will cover the following key topics, amongst others:

• The development of experimental approaches to determine the three-dimensional structures of proteins and other macromolecules
• How to use these structures in rational drug design and high-throughput screening approaches
• Master computational data analysis and modelling approaches
• Gene and protein technology
• Synthetic biology
• Bioinformatics and genomics

Our course has a very high proportion of practical work that provides valuable experience for your career. Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. Therefore to ensure your course is as relevant and up-to-date as possible, your module structure may be subject to change. Your research project will immerse you in a research environment, allowing you to conduct your research alongside our expert academics and PhD students in shared labs.

Career opportunities

There is a growing demand for scientists and health professionals with the relevant skills in structural biology and molecular pharmacology.

Understanding of structural biology, in combination with cell and molecular biology, opens up a wide choice of career paths in chemistry, pharmacology and biomedical sciences, in both academic and non-academic settings. Such as biotech/pharma positions in target analysis and drug design, computational approaches to drug screening and clinical trials, engineering and instrumentation work at large international facilities.

Our graduates are well placed to find employment in the ever-growing bio-based economy, and postgraduate study is often a requirement for becoming a researchers, scientist, academic journal editor and to work in the some public bodies or private companies. Many of our Masters students progress onto study for their PhD, and we offer numerous studentships to support our students in their studies. We also work with the University’s Career Service to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements and voluntary opportunities.