COURSE CURRICULUM

This one-year MSc program in Natural Products and Drug Discovery is structured across two semesters, beginning with taught modules followed by an independent research project. In the first semester, students gain comprehensive knowledge of the drug discovery process, with a focus on natural products. Key topics include nutraceuticals, herbal extracts, antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance, biosynthesis of natural compounds, and their sources from terrestrial and marine environments. Students also explore microbial fermentation techniques and the chemistry behind isolating, purifying, and structurally analysing natural products. Additionally, the course examines human physiology and major disease targets, covering drug target validation, high-throughput screening techniques, and animal models used in preclinical research. One module is dedicated to natural product chemistry and genetics, where students learn about structure elucidation, synthetic modifications, and how recombinant DNA technology is applied to enhance or manipulate biosynthetic pathways. In the second semester, students undertake a substantial research project under expert supervision, tailored to their specific interests. These projects range from discovering novel compounds in plants and microbes to bioassays for pharmacological screening, and can target diseases such as cancer, inflammation, and drug-resistant infections. With 90 credits assigned to the project, this segment forms the core of the program, offering hands-on experience in contemporary drug discovery and biotechnological innovation. The course is ideal for students aiming to pursue careers in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or academic research, combining theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory and research skills.