Programme Specification
GENERAL INFORMATION
Awarding Institution//Body
University of Bath
Teaching Institution
University of Bath
Validated/Franchised (if appropriate)
Programme accredited by (including date
of accreditation)
Royal Society of Chemistry August 2012
Programme approved by (including date
& minute number of Senate)
Final award
Master of Science (MSc)
Postgraduate Diploma
Programme title
MSc in Chemistry for Drug Discovery
PG Diploma in Chemistry for Drug Discovery
UCAS code (if applicable)
N/A
Subject Benchmark Statement
N/A
Intended level of completed programme
(in line with FHEQ)
M
Duration of programme & mode of study
MSc: One year, full-time.
PG Diploma: Two semesters, full-time.
Date of Specification preparation/revision
23 March 2011, 24.9.12, 7.1.2013
Applicable to cohorts (eg. for students
commencing in September 2008 or
2008/09 – 2009/10)
For students commencing in September 2016.
Synopsis and academic coherence of programme
The MSc in Chemistry for Drug Discovery is delivered by the Department of Chemistry,
alongside the current MRes Chemistry programme.
The MSc programme comprises a modular, 90-credit structure, delivered over a twosemester and summer research project timeframe. Students are required to take a mix of
compulsory and optional units making-up a total of 30-credits worth of material per semester.
Students complete their studies with a 30-credit MSc research project over the summer.
The MSc programme is designed to give the student an insight into a range of research
activities, techniques and chemical skills related to drug discovery as well as to widen their
knowledge both of the subject itself and the context within which the research will take place.
It will provide the student with an understanding of the role of drug discovery in economic
development and the way in which science is managed. The graduate will have the potential
to enrol on a PhD programme or to use this qualification in research or management.
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Educational aims of the programme
The programme has four main aims:




To broaden knowledge of the conduct, management, implications and exploitation of
chemical research related to drug discovery.
To enhance the specialist knowledge of the students at the forefront of the discipline.
To provide training in and experience of high level research by conducting a defined
research project.
To allow the student to gain a comprehensive understanding of research techniques
relevant to their ultimate research goals
Intended learning outcomes (including teaching, learning and assessment methods,
specifying those applicable for interim awards where appropriate)
The differences between Semesters 1 and 2 are in terms of breadth of knowledge, whilst the
differences between the Diploma stage and Semester 3 is in the ability to undertake an
independent research project.
Teaching is through a combination of lecture-based material, practical work, seminars,
individual study and a research project supervised by an academic member of staff.
 Knowledge & Understanding: Upon completion of Semester 1, the student will:
 have begun to acquire an in-depth knowledge of
(Semesters 1 & 2 are common to
the subject area.
the PG Diploma and MSc. The
 have gained expertise in the chemical techniques
research project in Semester 3 in
required for a research project related to drug
MSc-only).
discovery.
 have gained practical experience in synthetic and
measurement-based chemistry.
Upon completion of Semester 2, the student will, in
addition:
 have increased and broadened their in-depth
knowledge of the subject area.
 have acquired the ability to write a critical review
of a particular area of research.
 be prepared to undertake a research project.
Upon completion of the MSc Programme of Study, the
student will, in addition:
 have gained experience of carrying out a
research project.
 be able to discuss the relevance of their research
in the context of published work.
 have acquired in-depth knowledge of how
research in chemistry adds to the body of
knowledge.
Teaching and learning methods:
Lectures and guided reading
Practical instruction by laboratory staff (academic staff,
PGs, technicians and post-doctoral scientists)
Preparation of a research project report
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Attendance at seminars by external speakers
Giving research presentations at research group level
Assessment:
Written, unseen examination of taught units, mainly at
the Masters level.
Masters level postgraduate training module assessed by
examination, practical exercises and presentation.
Advanced practical chemistry course assessed by
written reports and viva voce examinations.
Reviews of the current literature.
In addition, in respect to the MSc,
A written report based on the research project with a
viva voce examination.
 Intellectual Skills:
The student will be able to:
 solve problems related to the topics covered in
the lecture courses
 define research problems and formulate
questions and hypotheses
 be able to select appropriate strategies for
research and/or demonstrate the nature of good
experimental design
 where appropriate use specific data analysis
methods and tools, including appropriate
software
 solve problems in creative and innovative ways
In addition, in respect to the MSc, the student will be
able to:
 demonstrate in-depth knowledge of their
research area
 suggest new hypotheses relevant to their
research
Teaching and learning methods:
Lectures and guided reading
Laboratory instruction by laboratory staff (PGs,
technicians, post-doctoral scientists and supervisor)
Attendance at seminars by external speakers
Assessment:
Written, unseen examination of taught units, mainly at
the Masters level.
 Professional Practical Skills:
In addition, in respect to the MSc,
A written report based on the research project with a
viva voce examination
The student will be able to:
 understand Health and Safety legislation at an
appropriate practitioner level and complete
COSHH risk assessments
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




demonstrate competence in data manipulation,
including instrumentational outputs and the
analysis of numerical, graphical and textual data,
as appropriate
demonstrate good record keeping and lab-book
methodology
use computational modelling
understand ethical and legal aspects in research
write scientific abstracts, papers and reports
In addition, in respect to the MSc, the student will be
able to:
 employ a range of skills required to undertake
effective research
 demonstrate competence in use of equipment
relevant to the research project
 communicate results of research by presenting
seminars and a poster
Teaching and learning methods:
Lectures and guided reading
Laboratory instruction by laboratory staff (PGs,
technicians, post-doctoral scientists and supervisor)
Preparation of a written report
Giving presentations at research group level
Guided supervision by the project supervisor
Assessment:
Masters level postgraduate training module assessed by
examination, practical exercises and presentation.
Advanced practical chemistry course assessed by
written reports and viva voce examinations. Practical
skills assessed by observation in the laboratory
In addition, in respect to the MSc,
Laboratory and profession skills are assessed during the
research project including a viva voce examination.
 Transferable/Key Skills:
The student will be able to:
 demonstrate interpersonal skills and personal
effectiveness of planning time management;
writing up on time; handling relationships with
supervisor, peers and support staff; planning a
career including preparing a CV, and
understanding fellowship and research
opportunities
 show competence in the use of IT and
information handling. This will include, where
appropriate, use of databases, word processing,
spreadsheets, statistics packages, making web
pages, use of WWW and other electronic
information sources.
 communicate effectively, with colleagues and a
wider audience, using a variety of media.
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Teaching and learning methods:
Lectures and guided reading
Courses run by the Staff Development Unit for
postgraduates
Laboratory instruction by laboratory staff (PGs,
technicians, post-doctoral scientists and supervisor)
Assessment:
Presentations during unit assessments
Masters level postgraduate training module assessed by
examination, practical exercises and presentation.
Advanced practical chemistry course assessed by
written reports and viva voce examinations. Practical
skills assessed by observation in the laboratory
In addition, in respect to the MSc,
Laboratory and profession skills are assessed during the
research project including a viva voce examination.
MSc Research Project: Learning Outcomes





To apply high-level research in practice, by conducting a defined research project in a
specialist subject related to drug discovery using a wide range of research techniques
as appropriate for the particular project area.
To demonstrate critical awareness of research literature related to the project area in
order to place the research in context.
To be able to identify the tasks to be completed in a research project proposal, plan a
scheme of work, and complete the project to a professional standard in a manner
commensurate with current safety legislation with minimal supervision and guidance.
To demonstrate the successful completion of these tasks in a well-structured and
coherently written dissertation commensurate with a chosen journal style, with the
potential for publication. This will include a discussion of the background to the work,
the research outcomes from the project, and future directions.
To discuss and defend the conclusions drawn from the study in an oral examination.
MSc Research Project: Assessment
The research project is assessed by a written report and an oral presentation. The report is
assessed by the supervisor and two assessors, and the student also examined viva voce by
the assessors. In addition, the supervisor formally evaluates the laboratory work with respect
to its effectiveness.
Structure and content of the programme (including potential stopping off points)
The PG Diploma and MSc programmes include a mix of taught units, professional training
and training in research skills.
Programme Content:
Postgraduate training module
Advanced group work in practical chemistry course
Preparation for research project
(6 credits)
(6 credits)
(12 credits)
5
One I-Level unit in Drug Properties
30 credits of M-level units in drug discovery topics
Research project (5 days/week for Semester 3, MSc only)
(6 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
The choice of optional units is decided by the student with advice from the Director of Studies
and the Personal Tutor.
Students are required to attend the regular seminars given by external speakers, especially
in topics related to their specialist area. For the MSc, project supervisors normally have a
scheduled private meeting with their students each week, and most staff have weekly lab
meetings, research focus meetings or 'problem solving' meetings for open discussion of
scientific issues.
Successful completion of the Semester 1 and Semester 2 material (60 credits) allows the
student to graduate with a PG Diploma. Successful completion of this material plus the
research project (30 credits) allows the student to graduate with a MSc.
Details of work placements / work-based learning / industrial training / study abroad
requirements
None.
Details of support available to students (e.g. induction programmes, programme
information, resources)
All laboratories in the department are purpose-designed and have been fitted out to a high
standard. Postgraduate workrooms have PCs and on-line access to the library catalogue,
electronic journals and other databases and are adjacent to, but separated from, “wet”
laboratories. The building includes an 80-seater seminar room. Among the extensive range
of facilities available are three X-ray single crystal diffractometers, an X-ray powder
diffractometer, 250MHz, 300MHz, 400 MHz and 500 MHz NMR spectrometers, two ESI-TOF
mass spectrometers, one linked to a glove box, chemoinformatics support, computational
modelling facilities, and GC and LC facilities. Within the Faculty of Science is located a
science workshop for the manufacture of purpose-designed equipment. Within the University
there is a Microscopy and Analysis Suite with TEM, SEM and scanning probe (including STM
and AFM) microscopes. The Library and Learning Centre (LLC) is open 24 hours a day.
The LLC has approximately 450 networked PCs and a large array of software for general
use.
There is a single entry point to the degree concurrent with the start of the undergraduate
year. This enables the student to participate both in the taught Units and in the initial
induction programme with all other postgraduates in the department. The programme
introduces students to the research activity in the department and its support infrastructure,
including facilities, courses, technical support and equipment. There is a detailed
programme handbook including outlines for each unit which is available to the students as a
hard copy and on the VLE.
The student is assigned a Personal Tutor, who meets regularly with the student to review
progress during the programme. The programme has a Director of Studies, who oversees it.
The Department of Chemistry also has a Director of Postgraduate Studies who ensures the
proper functioning of the training programme. The monitoring of student progress is dealt
with by the Faculty of Science Graduate School, and the students will have access to the
new Graduate Centre.
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The Personal Tutor and Director of Studies are able to respond to many of the questions and
concerns raised by their students. However, there is also a range of specialist student
support services that offer both information and advice to support these staff working with
their students, as well as take referrals to work more directly with the students. Students can
also self-refer to these services. These services can provide information, advice and support
in relation to accommodation, emotional difficulties, assessment of needs and provision of
support relating to disability, student funding, general welfare, academic problems, student
discipline and complaints, careers, international students, spiritual matters, part time work,
security and personal safety. The Students’ Union can also provide advocacy for students.
More information about these services can be accessed via: Student Support and Resources
web pages1. There are also Medical and Dental Centres, and a Chaplaincy on campus that
are very experienced in meeting the needs of a student population, as well as a University
nursery and vacation play scheme to provide childcare for older children during the school
holidays.
A potential support issue with MSc programmes relates to accommodation at the end of the
summer project period. The Department aims to complete project assessment before midSeptember, when university accommodation needs to be vacated.
Induction events for the MSc students involve departmental and faculty events. The Director
of Studies provides programme information and timetables, and discuss options with the
students, whereas issues such as safety will be dealt with at the departmental level.
Admissions criteria (including arrangements for APL/APEL)
Admissions processes conform to institutional guidance on the Recruitment, Selection and
Admission of Students. Selection is based on a formal application that includes a Statement
of Purpose, documentary evidence of degree certificates, transcripts, English language
qualifications and references.
Students should normally have a 2.1 or higher first degree or equivalent in Chemistry, or a
chemistry-related subject. Prior study of the drug discovery process or specialisation in
medicinal chemistry is not required. Students may also enter the Programme of Study with a
taught Masters degree in an appropriate subject. Consideration is given to those who have
not acquired the requisite standard but who have substantial relevant professional
experience using the University’s APL/APEL recommendations as a guide.
For those with English as a second language, a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 (or
equivalent), with nothing less than 6.0 on all elements, is normally required. Pre-sessional
English language training may be offered to help some applicants to obtain this level of
attainment.
Summary of assessment and progression regulations
The programmes are fully compliant with the PGT NFAAR (New Framework for Assessment:
Assessment Regulations). http://www.bath.ac.uk/registry/nfa/nfaar-pgt.pdf
Progression regulations implements the NFAAR for PGT students. The pass mark for all
units is 40%. The mix of assessment methods used for a unit varies in line with its specific
aims and objectives and is described in the unit catalogue. To obtain the Diploma, students
must pass units worth 60 credits. To obtain the MSc, students must pass units worth 90
1
http://www.bath.ac.uk/students/support/
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credits. Failure of units worth up to 12 credits in the range 35-39% may be awarded by
compensation. Students who fail units worth up to 24 credits may, subject to satisfactory
completion of any supplementary assessment, obtain the MSc. Such assessment is either
given a pass at 40% or is failed. All examination scripts and written reports are made
available to the External Examiner along with the assessments.
Students are normally be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma with Distinction if
they achieve an average mark across the taught units of at least 70%. Students are normally
be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma with Merit if they achieve an average
mark across the taught units of at least 60%.
Students are normally eligible for the award of a Masters degree with Distinction if they
achieve a project average of at least 70% and an average mark across the taught units of at
least 70%. Students are normally eligible for the award of a Masters degree with Merit if they
achieve a project average of at least 60% and an average mark across the taught units of at
least 60%.
Indicators of quality and standards (e.g. professional accreditation)
To assure continuing excellence in its quality and standards, the University of Bath has a
quality management framework including:
1.
A Quality Assurance Code of Practice and associated regulations and policies
2.
A learning, teaching and quality committee structure which monitors quality and
standards and instigates action for enhancement. For further information:
Governance
Review and Monitoring
3.
Staff development arrangements that assist staff in enhancing their own performance as
educators, as researchers or as professional support services staff.
Students are involved in many of these processes. The emphasis here is upon the
informed student voice - engaging with students as academic citizens to ensure they
have opportunities to take an active part in shaping their own learning.
A more detailed overview of the University’s Quality Management Framework is set out in a
summary document.
The University’s management of its academic standards and quality is subject to external
institutional review by the Quality Assurance Agency on a six year cycle. In its 2013
Institutional Review, the QAA confirmed that the University met its expectations for the
management of standards, the quality of learning opportunities, and the enhancement of
learning opportunities. The University was commended on its provision of information.
Professional bodies (such as the Royal Society of Chemistry) require particular standards
and content in our programmes so that students exit able to claim professional registration or
recognition, enabling them to progress successfully in their subsequent careers. Current
professional accreditations are reviewed periodically by the bodies concerned. They are
shown against each relevant programme in the prospectus. The full list can be seen here:
QA8 Register of Accreditations.
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In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, 60% of the research within the Department of
Chemistry was judged as either internationally excellent or world leading, whereas 100% of
the research was recognised internationally for its originality, significance and rigour. The
Department of Chemistry currently has an EPSRC grant income in excess of £13M.
Sources of other information
Departmental website (www.bath.ac.uk/chemistry).
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Programme Code: TSCH-AFM04
Programme Title: MSc Chemistry for Drug Discovery
Award Type: Master of Science
Award Title: MASTER OF RESEARCH
Mode of Attendance: Full-time
State if coexistent M-level programme:
State any designated alternative programme(s): Postgraduate Diploma in Chemistry for Drug Discovery
Approving body and date of approval:
S1
Compulsory
6
CH50102 Advanced group work in practical chemistry
Compulsory
6
CH50198 Chemistry of the cell
Compulsory
6
Optional: Select a
minimum of 6 and
a maximum of 9
credits.
3
CH20160 Major therapeutic areas
Compulsory
6
CH40210 Future of drug discovery
Compulsory
3
CH50199 The chemistry of physiology and drug properties
Compulsory
6
CH50200 Preparation for research project
Compulsory
12
Unit Title
CH40098 Techniques in drug discovery
CH40206 Topics in organic chemistry II
CH40209 Blockbuster drugs
S2
CH40068 Physical organic chemistry
3
CH40211 Chemistry beyond the molecule
Organic and inorganic aspects of homogeneous
CH40219
catalysis
Dissert.
3
3
Optional: Select a
minimum of 6 and
a maximum of 9
credits.
3
3
3
CH40230 DNA in the modern world
3
PA40155 Research topics in natural products
6
CH50201 Masters research project
Compulsory
Notes
3
CH40037 Synthesis of medicinal compounds
CH40086 Inorganic chemistry in biological systems
Placement
or Study
Abroad
Status
CH50100 Postgraduate training module
Period of
Unit Code
Study
DEU Status
Unit Status
Credits
Stage
Part
Year 1
30
10