Master of Drug Discovery and Development

Program Overview

Blending biological sciences with chemistry, the program offers hands-on experience in drug design and development, preparing graduates for careers in drug discovery, development, and research. Taught by industry experts, the program provides a unique blend of academic knowledge and real-world expertise.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Goal: Gain the skills required to generate therapeutics for improving human or animal health.
• Target Audience: Capable students with a background in chemistry or relevant science subjects such as biochemistry, biomedical science, pharmacy, or pharmacology.
• Key Feature: Blends biological sciences with chemistry to equip students with skills to target, design, synthesize, create, and assess new drugs.
• Duration: 3 trimesters
• Location: Kelburn, Wellington
• Degree Structure:
• Combines academic learning with practical skills aligned with industry needs.
• Tailored to students' strengths, interests, and career goals.
• Unique Aspects:
• Taught by Ferrier Research Institute in partnership with School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Biodiscovery.
• Offers first-hand experience with drug design and development research.
• Access to world's largest carbohydrate research team and drug development facilities.

Outline:

• Program Content:
• Covers drug discovery, design, development, and assessment processes.
• Teaches identification and development of drug targets into novel therapeutics.
• Includes intellectual property protection, financial viability, and pre-clinical/clinical trial aspects.
• Structure:
• Combination of coursework, research, and practicum.
• Offered full-time or part-time.
• Starts on 8 Jul 2024 or 24 Feb 2025.
• Individual Modules:

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Lectures, lab sessions, seminars with industry leaders.
• Faculty: Academics and industry specialists with drug development experience.
• Unique Approach: Blending academic knowledge with real-world industry expertise.

Careers:

• Potential Paths: Drug discovery, development, research, regulation, further PhD studies.
• Opportunities: Companies, universities, research institutes, government agencies.
• Outcomes: Graduates work in commercial drug development, patent assessment, further research, government, and commercial organizations.
• Students become part of an active scientific community at Victoria University of Wellington.