Degree programmes offered in Clinical Pharmacology within the Pharmacokinetic Research Laboratory group
We offer the following postgraduate degrees:
- Honours Bachelor of Medical Science – BMedSc (Hons)
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
- Master of Science in Medicine – MSc (Med)
- Doctor of Philosophy – PhD (Med)
BMedSc (Hons)
The Pharmacology Honours programme is a one-year full-time course aimed at graduates with backgrounds in life science, chemistry or pharmacy who wish to pursue careers in technical areas or are considering higher degrees and careers in research. The programme begins with an 8-week practical training course designed to teach laboratory techniques such as cell culture, antimicrobial assays, bioanalytical assays, chromatography, and mass spectrometry. Each student will undertake a research project (approximately six months), usually in natural products, toxicology, or clinical bioanalysis. The research will be supervised by staff and senior postgraduate students and written up as a comprehensive thesis for examination at the end of the course. Theory modules are taught and examined parallel to the practical training course and research project.
Prospective applicants can contact the course coordinator Dr Sharne Dunn (sharne.dunn@uct.ac.za).
MPhil
This degree offers postgraduate training in the drug development process via coursework and a research project with a minor dissertation. The programme is a two-year full-time course and aims to educate and train researchers in the clinical pharmacology of drug development. The first-year curriculum comprises the following modules: pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic principles, pharmacometrics, clinical bioanalysis, and drug development. The second year is focused on an individual research project and dissertation.
Prospective applicants can contact the course convenor Prof Lubbe Wiesner (lubbe.wiesner@uct.ac.za).
MSc (Med)
This dissertation-based degree is aimed at graduates with an Honours degree in pharmacology, life sciences or chemistry who wish to pursue a research career. Projects within the PK laboratory focus on developing and validating bioanalytical methods of small molecules (predominantly HIV and TB drugs) in various biological matrices (plasma, urine, breast milk, cerebral spinal fluid, etc.). Previous laboratory and LC-MS experience is optional but preferred. Projects in natural products research are also available and will focus on screening actinobacteria for novel antimicrobial compounds and drug discovery. The PK team usually accepts one to two MSc students per year, depending on the availability of projects, funding, and supervisors.
Prospective applicants can contact the course convenor Prof Lubbe Wiesner (lubbe.wiesner@uct.ac.za).
PhD (Med)
This dissertation-based degree is aimed at graduates with a Masters degree in pharmacology, life sciences, or chemistry who wish to pursue a research career. Projects within the PK research laboratory focus on developing and validating novel bioanalytical methods of small molecules (predominantly HIV and TB drugs) in rare biological matrices (breastmilk, cerebral spinal fluid, intracellular, hair etc.). Previous laboratory and LC-MS experience is recommended. Projects in natural products research are also available and will focus on screening actinobacteria for novel antimicrobial compounds and drug discovery. The PK team usually accepts one to two PhD students per year, depending on the availability of projects, funding, and supervisors.
Prospective applicants can contact the course convenor Prof Lubbe Wiesner (lubbe.wiesner@uct.ac.za).
Please note:
Other research groups within the Division of Clinical Pharmacology also offer Masters and PhD degrees.