Program Overview

Drug Development Course

The course Drug Development aims to give students an overall understanding of the discovery and development of novel pharmaceuticals (drug discovery/development). It covers target selection, lead discovery/optimization, non-clinical in vitro/in vivo safety and efficacy studies, clinical trials, and market authorization. The course also highlights examples of existing drugs, how they have been developed, and their mechanisms of action.

Teaching

The course is mostly theoretical, but also includes practical demonstrations. Many of the lectures are given by key experts from the industry who have developed different types of drugs and taken them to late-stage clinical trials or the market. They will illustrate the theoretical part of the course with examples by incorporating problem-based learning. They will also introduce their organisations as potential future employers. This course is taught in English.

Prerequisites and Selection

Entry Requirements

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.

Selection

Selection is based upon the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 165 credits.

Course Details

• Course Code: BIO523
• Level: Master's level
• Credits: 7.5 credits (ECTS)
• Offered by: Department of Chemistry & Molecular Biology at the Faculty of Science and Technology
• Study Pace: 50%
• Time: Day
• Location: Göteborg
• Study Form: Campus
• Language: English

Autumn 2025

• Duration: 5 Nov 2025 – 18 Jan 2026
• Application Period: 17 Mar 2025 – 15 Apr 2025
• Application Code: GU-16020
• Tuition:
  • Full education cost: 17,753 SEK
  • First payment: 17,753 SEK
  • No fees are charged for EU and EEA citizens, Swedish residence permit holders, and exchange students.

Autumn 2026

• Duration: 4 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027
• Application Period: 16 Mar 2026 – 15 Apr 2026
• Application Code: GU-16022
• Tuition:
  • Full education cost: 18,125 SEK
  • First payment: 18,125 SEK
  • No fees are charged for EU and EEA citizens, Swedish residence permit holders, and exchange students.

After Graduation

The course in Drug Development is part of the Master's programme in Molecular Biology. The course can also be applied for as a stand-alone course. The course will provide students with an insight into drug discovery/development, which is valuable if they choose to work within biotech/biopharma or in academia.

Facilities

The course is given on Campus Medicinareberget.

Study Counselling

Study counselling is available Monday and Wednesday from 1–2 p.m.