Varsity in Ajman now offers master's in drug discovery

Ajman - The programme outcomes are constructed to address the required competencies for researchers in pharmaceutical sciences.

Advancing pharmaceutical research in the country, a university in Ajman is now offering a master's programme for drug discovery and development.
The College of Pharmacy of Gulf Medical University (GMU) has announced the accreditation of its new 'Master of Science in Drug Discovery and Development (MDD)' programme. Admission is now open for the first batch of MDD students, with the programme set to start in September.
This MDD is a pharmaceutical sciences thesis-based research programme offered in collaboration with the College of Pharmacy of the University of Arizona. It focuses on three major disciplines associated with preclinical drug development, including drug design and synthesis, drug delivery, pharmacology, and pharmacogenomics.
The programme outcomes are constructed to address the required competencies for researchers in pharmaceutical sciences wishing to pursue a career in academia, research and development, or join a PhD programme.
Graduates of relevant undergraduate programmes other than pharmacy may take up the degree after taking bridge courses, if required by the graduate committee. The programme's study plan is structured to deliver 33 credit hours over four semesters.
The MDD is the newest addition to the college with three main research areas: Drug design and medicinal chemistry; pharmacology and pharmacogenomics; and drug delivery and targetting.
"With the expertise of GMU's faculty members along with the in-house Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine with its state-of-the-art research equipment and highly qualified research faculty, we believe that this programme will advance the research in the drug discovery and development at GMU, in Ajman, and in the country," said Dr Sherief Khalifa, vice-chancellor for Quality and Global Engagement, GMU, and dean of the College of Pharmacy.
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• Ajman