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MScStructural Biology and Rational Drug Design

University of Essex
United Kingdom, Colchester
Tuition fee To be confirmed
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.

Apply now! Fall semester 2021/22
Application period has ended
Notes
This course is subject to final approval.
Apply now! Fall semester 2021/22
Application period has ended
Notes
This course is subject to final approval.