Masters Degree Programme in Public Mental Health
The Master's Degree Programme in Public Mental Health at the Unive...
Masters Degree Programme in Biomedical Sciences: Drug Discovery and Development
Turku
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The Master's Degree Programme in Biomedical Sciences: Drug Discovery and Development at the University of Turku offers an advanced education in the science and process of developing new pharmaceutical drugs. This program is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in drug discovery, development, and the regulation of new therapies. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, combining fundamental biomedical knowledge with the practical skills needed to work in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Graduates are prepared for both academic and industry roles, with expertise in the discovery and development of novel therapeutics.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the Master's Degree Programme in Biomedical Sciences: Drug Discovery and Development is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of drug development, from the initial discovery phase to clinical application. Core modules include drug design, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, drug delivery, and biopharmaceuticals. Students are also introduced to topics such as regulatory affairs, intellectual property, and drug commercialization. In addition to theoretical knowledge, the program emphasizes practical training through laboratory-based courses and research projects, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience in drug development. The program also includes a thesis project that allows students to conduct original research in the field of drug discovery.
Research Focus: The Drug Discovery and Development program at the University of Turku focuses on cutting-edge research in drug discovery processes, from target identification to clinical trials. Research areas include computational drug design, biomolecular interactions, drug screening techniques, and personalized medicine. The program offers students the opportunity to work alongside world-renowned researchers in areas such as cancer therapy, neurodegenerative diseases, infectious diseases, and autoimmune conditions. The university’s strong research partnerships with the pharmaceutical and biotech industries provide students with access to the latest advancements in drug development technologies and methodologies. Students can also collaborate in translational research, which bridges the gap between laboratory research and clinical applications.
Industry Engagement: University of Turku has strong ties with the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and healthcare industries. The Master's Degree Programme in Biomedical Sciences: Drug Discovery and Development benefits from the university’s collaborations with leading companies in drug discovery, healthcare innovation, and biopharmaceutical research. Students have the opportunity to participate in internships, work placements, and industry-driven projects, gaining real-world experience in the drug development process. The university's proximity to several pharmaceutical companies and research institutes in Finland further enhances these opportunities. Additionally, students can attend industry networking events, seminars, and conferences, allowing them to build valuable professional connections that can be beneficial in their future careers.
Global Perspective: The Master's Degree Programme in Biomedical Sciences: Drug Discovery and Development has an international outlook, attracting students from all over the world. This global perspective is fostered through the program’s collaborative research projects, international guest lecturers, and partnerships with universities and research institutions around the globe. Students gain exposure to the global pharmaceutical landscape, including regulatory frameworks, market trends, and the challenges of developing drugs in diverse healthcare systems. The program also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and global health issues, preparing graduates to work in the global healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Students are encouraged to develop intercultural competencies that will help them navigate the international landscape of biomedical research and drug development.
Location
Turku
Score
Tuition Fee
€ 12000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: €100
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- English language test waiver is applicable if the Bachelor's, Master's, Licentiate, or Doctoral degree is in English language.
The University of Turku offers various scholarships for international students, aimed at supporting students with the cost of their tuition fees and ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue their studies in Finland without financial concerns. These scholarships are designed to attract talented students from across the globe, particularly for Master’s degree programs, as the university has a strong international student body.
University of Turku Scholarship Scheme: The University of Turku offers a merit-based scholarship scheme for international students applying to Master’s degree programs. These scholarships cover part or all of the tuition fees for students from non-EU/EEA countries. The scholarships are competitive and are awarded based on the academic excellence and merits of the applicants. Students who are accepted to a degree program at the university are automatically considered for this scholarship.
External Scholarships: The university provides information and guidance on various external scholarships that are available to international students, including scholarships offered by Finnish government agencies and private foundations.
Erasmus+ Grants: Students who are part of the Erasmus+ exchange program may be eligible for grants to support their studies in Finland.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Some countries have specific scholarship agreements with Finland, and students from these countries may apply for additional financial support.
Graduating from the Master's Degree Programme in Biomedical Sciences: Drug Discovery and Development at the University of Turku opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the rapidly growing pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, as well as in academia and research. Students gain specialized knowledge in drug discovery, pharmaceutical sciences, and biopharmaceutical technologies, making them highly competitive in the global job market.
Pharmaceutical Researcher: Graduates can work as researchers in pharmaceutical companies, focusing on the development of new drugs, conducting preclinical studies, and performing drug testing. Their work could involve molecular biology, pharmacology, or pharmacokinetics to ensure the safety and efficacy of drug candidates.
Biotechnology Scientist: With a solid understanding of biotechnological methods, graduates can pursue careers in biotechnology firms, working on the development of biopharmaceuticals, biologics, or gene therapies. Their expertise in biotechnology can help drive innovations in personalized medicine, regenerative therapies, and genetic engineering.
Clinical Research Associate (CRA): Clinical Research Associates play a key role in clinical trials, overseeing the trial process, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and analyzing trial data. Graduates from this program can work as CRAs in pharmaceutical companies or clinical research organizations (CROs).
Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Graduates can work in regulatory affairs, helping pharmaceutical companies navigate the regulatory process for drug approval. Their knowledge of global regulatory frameworks ensures that drug candidates meet the required standards for safety and efficacy.
Medical Science Liaison (MSL): In this role, graduates act as a bridge between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers. MSLs provide medical information, support clinical trials, and ensure that drug development is aligned with medical needs. Their expertise in biomedical sciences helps them communicate complex scientific information effectively.
Drug Safety Officer/Pharmacovigilance Specialist: A critical role in the post-market phase of drug development, pharmacovigilance specialists monitor the safety of drugs after they have been released to the market. Graduates can help identify and assess any adverse effects, ensuring that drugs remain safe for consumers.
Academia and Research: Graduates with a passion for research can pursue Ph.D. programs in biomedical sciences or related fields. They can become researchers, professors, or academic advisors in universities and research institutions, contributing to the advancement of drug discovery and development.
Healthcare Consultant: With their deep understanding of drug development and industry trends, graduates can work as healthcare consultants, advising pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, or government agencies on drug discovery processes, regulatory compliance, and market strategies.
Project Manager in Pharmaceutical Development: Graduates can take on management roles, overseeing drug development projects, coordinating teams, and ensuring that drug discovery initiatives meet deadlines and regulatory requirements.
Medical and Scientific Writer: Those with strong writing skills may pursue careers as medical and scientific writers, preparing documentation for clinical trials, drug development reports, regulatory submissions, and scientific journals. Their work ensures that complex scientific data is communicated clearly and accurately.
Health Policy Analyst: Graduates can also enter roles that focus on analyzing healthcare policies and strategies. They can contribute to the development of healthcare regulations, drug approval processes, or health economics studies, ensuring that new drugs reach the market efficiently and ethically.
