Program Overview

Drug Discovery and Development

The course in Drug Discovery and Development aims to give students an overall understanding of the discovery and development of novel pharmaceuticals. It covers target selection, lead discovery/optimization, non-clinical in vitro/in vivo safety and efficacy studies, clinical trials, and market authorization.

Teaching

The course is mostly theoretical, but also includes practical demonstrations. Students will also perform an individual project work in the form of writing a scientific report and giving an oral presentation at the end of the course. 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.

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.

After Graduation

The course in Drug Discovery and 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.

Course Details

• Course code: BIO524
• Level: Master's level
• Credits: 15 credits (ECTS)
• Offered by: Department of Chemistry & Molecular Biology at the Faculty of Science and Technology
• Language: English
• Duration:
  • Autumn 2025: 5 Nov 2025 – 18 Jan 2026
  • Autumn 2026: 4 Nov 2026 – 17 Jan 2027
• Application period:
  • Autumn 2025: 17 Mar 2025 – 15 Apr 2025
  • Autumn 2026: 16 Mar 2026 – 15 Apr 2026
• Application code:
  • Autumn 2025: GU-16022
  • Autumn 2026: GU-16025
• Tuition:
  • Full education cost:
    • Autumn 2025: 35,505 SEK
    • Autumn 2026: 36,250 SEK
  • First payment:
    • Autumn 2025: 35,505 SEK
    • Autumn 2026: 36,250 SEK
  • No fees are charged for EU and EEA citizens, Swedish residence permit holders, and exchange students.