Prospectus

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Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences: BioTherapeutics

Master

BioTherapeutics is a specialisation of the Master’s programme Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences of Leiden University. It offers research-orientated education on the areas of specific drug delivery techniques, and the development of new therapeutic approaches to treat immune-based disorders, such as atherosclerosis, metabolic disorders and inflammatory skin diseases. Research Project 1 will be conducted at the cluster BioTherapeutics of the LACDR on one of the research themes described below. Please check the tab “More info” for the general outline of the programme.

One mission of the cluster is to provide new strategies for the delivery of biologically active compounds at the right dose, at the right time and at the right place. Research activities are organized in two major, interrelated research lines: “Skin Research” and ”Biologics Research”. New research goes beyond conventional immunization, such as designing non-invasive delivery routes and microneedles.

The cluster also focusses on the development of experimental therapeutic approaches to treat cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. To study the complex interaction of drugs in different organic systems, research is performed at the gene, immune cell and lipid level in various in vitro and in vivo models; one of the strengths of the Division of Biopharmaceutics. Interventions developed so far range from bone marrow transplantation to experimental therapies using antibody-based interventions, therapeutic vaccines, and gene therapeutic approaches.

First and Second Year

Course EC Semester 1 Semester 2

Mandatory courses:
Introduction Course Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences: BioTherapeutics 5
Scientific Conduct 1
Attended Lectures and Colloquia 1
Literature Study LACDR 7

Research Project 1 at the Cluster BioTherapeutics
Research Project 1 - Practical Work 44
Research Project 1 - Thesis 5
Research Project 1 - Oral Presentation 2

The MSc programme of Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences offers the following Lecture Series in the academic year 2016–2017 (one of these is mandatory):
Regulation of Drug Safety 4
Atherosclerosis 4
Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry 4
A Clinical Pharmacologist Approach to type 2 Diabetes 4
Signal Transduction and Hallmarks of Cancer 4
Quantitative Pharmacology 4
Model organisms in cancer drug discovery and development 4
Drug Delivery 4
Blood-Brain Barrier: Drug Transport to the Brain 4

Optional courses in the academic year 2016–2017 (list is not restrictive):
IP Law in Science 5
Science Methodology (SCM) 4
Science and the public: contemporary and historical perspectives 6
Radiation Safety 1

More info

An overview of Exam Dates as well as Class numbers for enrolling for courses and exams in uSis can be obtained here

General outline of the MSc programme of the research track BioTherapeutics:

Level EC
Introduction Course Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences: Drug & Target Discovery 500 5
Research project 1, at the cluster BioTherapeutics
- practical work 600 44
- thesis 600 5
- oral presentation 600 2
Research project 2, (preferably in another discipline of BPS, not restricted to the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences)
- practical work 600 31
- thesis 600 5
Literature study plus thesis 500 7
Lecture series 1 (in BPS) 500 4
Course Scientific Conduct 500 1
20 Colloquium points 500 1
Optional courses or traineeships 400–600 (max 12 EC < 400) 15

Attending more than one lecture series of BPS is optional and may be part of the programme component ‘Optional courses’.