Create new medicines from a chemical perspective

Drug Discovery Sciences

Computer-Aided Drug Design

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This two-year Master’s programme provides you with the essential knowledge and skills to address the current challenges in drug discovery. You will specialise in one of five areas: Synthesis of Drugs, Computer-Aided Drug Design, Molecular Pharmacology, Molecular Toxicology, or Bioanalytics. Each specialisation and profile combination includes a balance between compulsory courses, optional courses, and research training, allowing you to tailor your expertise.

In the Drug Discovery Sciences Master’s programme, you will examine the interaction between molecules and the human body from various perspectives. The start date of this programme is 1 September.

Choose your own path
In the first year, you will work in a multidisciplinary environment, tackling key questions about future medicines while choosing a specialisation that suits your interests. You will choose one of five areas: Molecular Pharmacology, Synthesis of Drugs, Molecular Toxicology, Computer-Aided Drug Design, or Bioanalytics. Discover which specialisation aligns with your interests and explore the possibilities in the detailed descriptions below.

Research project
The major research project forms a large part of the second year of the Master’s programme. During this time, you will concentrate on a specific area and will become an expert in that area. For example, areas as drug synthesis, nanobody use, mitochondrial toxicity, protein simulations, or bioanalysis for snakebite treatments. Alternatively, you can choose to focus on education and earn a teaching certification for secondary education in the second year (in Dutch).

Study guide
You can find all course descriptions, the year schedule and the teaching and examination regulation in the Study guide.

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1st year
2nd year

Which specialisation do you choose?

Find out what the different possibilities are within the first year of this Master's programme

Summary

Deciphering drug-target interactions at the molecular level
The Molecular Pharmacology specialisation within the Drug Discovery and Safety (DDS) Master’s programme provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how drugs exert their effects at the molecular and cellular levels. Through this track, students explore how small molecules and biologics interact with key targets such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), ion channels, kinases, and enzymes. Students also receive extensive hands-on training with advanced technologies, including cell-based assays, binding studies, real-time biosensor assays, and molecular biology techniques such as PCR and Western blotting, preparing them for experimental work in both academic and industrial settings. This specialisation is ideal for those eager to uncover the science behind drug action and gain the skills required to drive innovation in therapeutic development.

Curriculum
Key compulsory courses within the Molecular Pharmacology specialisation cover:

ADME – Understanding how absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion influence drug efficacy and safety.
Drug Target Biochemistry and Signaling – Exploring the cellular pathways and molecular networks involved in drug responses.
Advanced Pharmacology – Focusing on the molecular basis and quantification of drug-target interaction and modulation of cellular responses.

These courses are complemented by elective modules and a major research project (42–60 ECTS), conducted in either an academic or industrial setting.

For detailed information, please see the Study Guide.

Ideal candidates
This specialisation is designed for students with a background in biochemistry, molecular/cellular biology, pharmacology, or medicinal chemistry, and a strong interest in the molecular mechanisms of drug action. Learn more about admission requirements.

Summary

Making biologically active molecules come to life
The Synthesis of Drugs specialisation within the Drug Discovery and Safety (DDS) Master’s programme focuses on the design, synthesis, and analysis of biologically active molecules. Students gain expertise in the organic chemistry of drug-like compounds, peptides and peptidomimetics, radiolabelled molecules, and advanced synthetic methodologies. Students also receive extensive hands-on training with cutting-edge technologies for synthesis planning, compound synthesis, purification, and structural characterisation, preparing them for roles in both academic and industrial chemical research. This track is ideal for students passionate about organic chemistry and its critical role in drug discovery, diagnostics, and life sciences.

Curriculum
Key compulsory courses within the Synthesis of Drugs specialisation cover:

Physical Organic Chemistry – Focusing on the physical-chemistry concepts that are essential for understanding and exercising organic synthesis.
Spectroscopic Approaches in Medicinal Chemistry – Exploring various techniques key in safeguarding identity and purity of synthesised molecules, with an emphasis on advanced 2D NMR spectroscopy.
Synthetic Approaches in Medicinal Chemistry – Covering the toolbox of organic reactions that drug researchers have at their disposal to prepare biologically interesting organic molecules.

These courses are complemented by elective modules and a major research project (42–60 ECTS), conducted in either an academic or industrial setting.

For detailed information, please see the Study Guide.

Ideal candidates
This specialisation is designed for students with a strong background in organic chemistry and with a keen interest in understanding and exploring the role of organic chemistry in drug research, chemical biology, and diagnosis. Learn more about admission requirements.

Summary

Deciphering the molecular basis of toxicity
The Molecular Toxicology specialisation in the Drug Discovery Sciences (DDS) Master’s programme focuses on understanding how chemical substances, especially pharmaceuticals, can cause harm at the molecular and cellular levels. Students explore key mechanisms of toxicity, such as oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation, and gain hands-on experience with advanced in vitro models and cutting-edge technologies. This track is designed for students who want to make an impact in public health, drug safety, or environmental toxicology by contributing to the development of safer therapeutics and reducing animal testing by using New Approach Methodologies (NAMs).

Curriculum
Key compulsory courses within the Molecular Toxicology specialisation cover:

ADME – Understanding how absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion influence drug efficacy and safety.
Molecular and Cellular Toxicology – Exploring how chemical exposures compromise cellular function, activate defense pathways, and how these processes can be assessed experimentally.
Advanced Course in Molecular Toxicology – Applying chemical and biological insights to drug development, hazard identification, and risk assessment through case studies on chemical properties, tissue-specific toxicity, transcriptomics, and Adverse Outcome Pathways.

These courses are complemented by elective modules and a major research project (42–60 ECTS), conducted in either an academic or industrial setting.

For detailed information, please see the Study Guide.

Ideal candidates
This track is ideal for students with a background in molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, or related fields who are passionate about toxicology, data-driven safety science, and contributing to innovations in public health. Learn more about admission requirements.

Summary

Designing next-generation drug molecules
The Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) specialisation in the Drug Discovery Sciences (DDS) Master’s programme focuses on leveraging molecular modeling and computational chemistry techniques to understand the biomolecular basis of drug action. Students will explore state-of-the-art methodologies, such as pharmacophore modeling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations, to rationally design next-generation drug compounds and predict their interactions. This track is designed for students eager to apply cutting-edge computational techniques to improve drug discovery, enhance drug efficacy, and prevent unwanted side effects, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration in drug design and development.

Curriculum
Key compulsory courses within the Computer-Aided Drug Design specialisation cover:

Data Management in Drug Discovery – Learning how to efficiently retrieve, manage, and store research data from drug discovery using databases and open-source tools, with a focus on automating data tasks and developing robust data management plans.
Computer-Aided Drug Design and Virtual Screening – Exploring key concepts in protein homology modeling, chemoinformatics, and structure-based virtual screening, with a focus on ligand discovery, molecular docking, and integrating in silico methods with experimental studies.
Biomolecular Simulation in Drug Discovery – Focusing on the application of molecular dynamics simulations to study protein-ligand binding, induced fit effects, and free energy calculations, with a focus on their role in drug discovery and affinity prediction.

These courses are complemented by elective modules and a major research project (42–60 ECTS), conducted in either an academic or industrial setting.

For detailed information, please see the Study Guide.

Ideal candidates
This specialisation is designed for students with a strong background in chemistry or molecular-oriented pharmaceutical sciences, biophysics or bioinformatics, and with a keen interest in understanding and exploring the biomolecular basis for (wanted or unwanted) action of drugs or other biologically active compounds. Learn more about admission requirements.

Summary

Unraveling molecular insights in drug discovery
The Bioanalytics specialisation in the Drug Discovery Sciences (DDS) Master’s programme focuses on mastering advanced analytical techniques essential to modern drug discovery and development. Students will explore state-of-the-art methods such as mass spectrometry, chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to analyse drug candidates, their interactions with protein-based drug targets, and the underlying molecular mechanisms of therapeutic interventions. This track is designed for students passionate about applying cutting-edge bioanalytical tools to enhance drug efficacy, understand disease mechanisms, and contribute to the development of safer and more effective therapeutics. The programme places a strong emphasis on hands-on experience and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing students for impactful careers in pharmaceutical research and biotechnology.

Curriculum
Key compulsory courses within the Bioanalytics specialisation cover:

ADME – Understanding how absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion influence drug efficacy and safety.
Advanced Bioanalytical Approaches – Mastering state-of-the-art techniques for bioanalysis, from sample preparation to data interpretation, in drug discovery, clinical, toxicological, and forensic contexts.
Biopharmaceuticals & Biopharma Proteomics – Understanding the development, characterization, and bioanalytical techniques for biopharmaceuticals, with a focus on monoclonal antibodies, venoms-to-drugs pipelines, and proteomics in drug discovery.

These courses are complemented by elective modules and a major research project (42–60 ECTS), conducted in either an academic or industrial setting.

For detailed information, please see the Study Guide.

Ideal candidates
This specialisation is for students passionate about analytical sciences, drug action, and disease mechanisms. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, providing a strong foundation for those aiming to innovate in drug discovery. Learn more about admission requirements.

Molecular Pharmacology
Summary
Deciphering drug-target interactions at the molecular level
The Molecular Pharmacology specialisation within the Drug Discovery and Safety (DDS) Master’s programme provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how drugs exert their effects at the molecular and cellular levels. Through this track, students explore how small molecules and biologics interact with key targets such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), ion channels, kinases, and enzymes. Students also receive extensive hands-on training with advanced technologies, including cell-based assays, binding studies, real-time biosensor assays, and molecular biology techniques such as PCR and Western blotting, preparing them for experimental work in both academic and industrial settings. This specialisation is ideal for those eager to uncover the science behind drug action and gain the skills required to drive innovation in therapeutic development.
Curriculum
Key compulsory courses within the Molecular Pharmacology specialisation cover:
These courses are complemented by elective modules and a major research project (42–60 ECTS), conducted in either an academic or industrial setting.
For detailed information, please see the Study Guide.
Ideal candidates
This specialisation is designed for students with a background in biochemistry, molecular/cellular biology, pharmacology, or medicinal chemistry, and a strong interest in the molecular mechanisms of drug action. Learn more about admission requirements.
Synthesis of Drugs
Summary
Making biologically active molecules come to life
The Synthesis of Drugs specialisation within the Drug Discovery and Safety (DDS) Master’s programme focuses on the design, synthesis, and analysis of biologically active molecules. Students gain expertise in the organic chemistry of drug-like compounds, peptides and peptidomimetics, radiolabelled molecules, and advanced synthetic methodologies. Students also receive extensive hands-on training with cutting-edge technologies for synthesis planning, compound synthesis, purification, and structural characterisation, preparing them for roles in both academic and industrial chemical research. This track is ideal for students passionate about organic chemistry and its critical role in drug discovery, diagnostics, and life sciences.
Curriculum
Key compulsory courses within the Synthesis of Drugs specialisation cover:
These courses are complemented by elective modules and a major research project (42–60 ECTS), conducted in either an academic or industrial setting.
For detailed information, please see the Study Guide.
Ideal candidates
This specialisation is designed for students with a strong background in organic chemistry and with a keen interest in understanding and exploring the role of organic chemistry in drug research, chemical biology, and diagnosis. Learn more about admission requirements.
Molecular Toxicology
Summary
Deciphering the molecular basis of toxicity
The Molecular Toxicology specialisation in the Drug Discovery Sciences (DDS) Master’s programme focuses on understanding how chemical substances, especially pharmaceuticals, can cause harm at the molecular and cellular levels. Students explore key mechanisms of toxicity, such as oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation, and gain hands-on experience with advanced in vitro models and cutting-edge technologies. This track is designed for students who want to make an impact in public health, drug safety, or environmental toxicology by contributing to the development of safer therapeutics and reducing animal testing by using New Approach Methodologies (NAMs).
Curriculum
Key compulsory courses within the Molecular Toxicology specialisation cover:
These courses are complemented by elective modules and a major research project (42–60 ECTS), conducted in either an academic or industrial setting.
For detailed information, please see the Study Guide.
Ideal candidates
This track is ideal for students with a background in molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, or related fields who are passionate about toxicology, data-driven safety science, and contributing to innovations in public health. Learn more about admission requirements.
Computer-Aided Drug Design
Summary
Designing next-generation drug molecules
The Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) specialisation in the Drug Discovery Sciences (DDS) Master’s programme focuses on leveraging molecular modeling and computational chemistry techniques to understand the biomolecular basis of drug action. Students will explore state-of-the-art methodologies, such as pharmacophore modeling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations, to rationally design next-generation drug compounds and predict their interactions. This track is designed for students eager to apply cutting-edge computational techniques to improve drug discovery, enhance drug efficacy, and prevent unwanted side effects, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration in drug design and development.
Curriculum
Key compulsory courses within the Computer-Aided Drug Design specialisation cover:
These courses are complemented by elective modules and a major research project (42–60 ECTS), conducted in either an academic or industrial setting.
For detailed information, please see the Study Guide.
Ideal candidates
This specialisation is designed for students with a strong background in chemistry or molecular-oriented pharmaceutical sciences, biophysics or bioinformatics, and with a keen interest in understanding and exploring the biomolecular basis for (wanted or unwanted) action of drugs or other biologically active compounds. Learn more about admission requirements.
Bioanalytics
Summary
Unraveling molecular insights in drug discovery
The Bioanalytics specialisation in the Drug Discovery Sciences (DDS) Master’s programme focuses on mastering advanced analytical techniques essential to modern drug discovery and development. Students will explore state-of-the-art methods such as mass spectrometry, chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to analyse drug candidates, their interactions with protein-based drug targets, and the underlying molecular mechanisms of therapeutic interventions. This track is designed for students passionate about applying cutting-edge bioanalytical tools to enhance drug efficacy, understand disease mechanisms, and contribute to the development of safer and more effective therapeutics. The programme places a strong emphasis on hands-on experience and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing students for impactful careers in pharmaceutical research and biotechnology.
Curriculum
Key compulsory courses within the Bioanalytics specialisation cover:
These courses are complemented by elective modules and a major research project (42–60 ECTS), conducted in either an academic or industrial setting.
For detailed information, please see the Study Guide.
Ideal candidates
This specialisation is for students passionate about analytical sciences, drug action, and disease mechanisms. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, providing a strong foundation for those aiming to innovate in drug discovery. Learn more about admission requirements.

Which second year specialisation do you choose?

Find out what the different possibilities are within the second year of this Master's programme

Research
Secondary Education Teacher Training for STEM Disciplines

Summary

In the second year, the Research specialisation focuses on advanced topics in Drug Discovery Sciences. This track prepares you for a research career, whether in academia (e.g., a PhD) or the pharmaceutical industry. You’ll conduct a major research project, gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge science. Additionally, you’ll have the flexibility to choose elective courses from the Drug Discovery and Safety Master’s programme – or use that space to pursue a second research internship, possibly abroad.

Visit the Study guide for course descriptions and the year schedule.

Summary

Motivate & inspire students as a teacher in the STEM disciplines - This specialisation is taught in Dutch.

During the specialisation Secondary Education Teacher Training for STEM Disciplines, you will learn how to transfer your knowledge and motivate and inspire students in your field of study, whether it is Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology. For computer science, there is another route: the one-year teacher training programme. The courses for this teacher training specialisation are taught in Dutch and your teaching qualification will be valid in the Netherlands.

As a teacher, you make an important contribution to the future of young people, society and education in the Netherlands. In our knowledge economy, specialists in the area of knowledge transfer are indispensable. With an abundance of jobs in secondary education, obtaining a teaching qualification guarantees job security and—flexibility—because in addition to being a teacher, you are also a scientist in your field.

The teacher training programmes at VU Amsterdam are unique because of their modular structure that is built around 20 themes (core practices). You will apply these teaching practices directly in the classroom, as you will be working in a school for more than 50% of your study programme. At VU Amsterdam, personal attention and individual guidance are top priority. You will have a mentor from VU Amsterdam and a workplace supervisor who is an experienced first-degree subject teacher.

With this specialisation, you will obtain a specialist Master's degree in a STEM discipline and a first-degree teaching qualification (eerstegraads lesbevoegdheid). This means that in two years, you will be qualified to teach both lower and upper secondary vocational education (HAVO/VWO) and pre-university education (VMBO) in the Netherlands. All teachers in the STEM disciplines are also qualified to teach the STEM elective NLT (Nature, Life and Technology).

The teacher training specialisation in the STEM disciplines starts every academic year in September and February, unless you are following a Master's programme in Ecology, Earth Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or Biomedical Technology and Physics. Within these Master's programmes, you can only start the specialisation in September.

Second year

What makes you unique as a STEM teacher? We explore your strengths as a teacher while focussing on personal attention, customisation and guidance. You will follow an integrated programme, which includes a practical component (internship) in secondary education and didactic theory at VU Amsterdam. You will be taught general didactics related to core practices as well as specific subject-related didactics for your school subject. The theory is always applied and tested in practice at the school where you conduct your internship. You will start immediately with the practical component. Internships are arranged by VU Amsterdam.

You can find the complete course overview in the study guide.

Research

Summary

In the second year, the Research specialisation focuses on advanced topics in Drug Discovery Sciences. This track prepares you for a research career, whether in academia (e.g., a PhD) or the pharmaceutical industry. You’ll conduct a major research project, gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge science. Additionally, you’ll have the flexibility to choose elective courses from the Drug Discovery and Safety Master’s programme – or use that space to pursue a second research internship, possibly abroad.
Visit the Study guide for course descriptions and the year schedule.
Secondary Education Teacher Training for STEM Disciplines

Summary

Motivate & inspire students as a teacher in the STEM disciplines - This specialisation is taught in Dutch.
During the specialisation Secondary Education Teacher Training for STEM Disciplines, you will learn how to transfer your knowledge and motivate and inspire students in your field of study, whether it is Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology. For computer science, there is another route: the one-year teacher training programme. The courses for this teacher training specialisation are taught in Dutch and your teaching qualification will be valid in the Netherlands.
As a teacher, you make an important contribution to the future of young people, society and education in the Netherlands. In our knowledge economy, specialists in the area of knowledge transfer are indispensable. With an abundance of jobs in secondary education, obtaining a teaching qualification guarantees job security and—flexibility—because in addition to being a teacher, you are also a scientist in your field.
The teacher training programmes at VU Amsterdam are unique because of their modular structure that is built around 20 themes (core practices). You will apply these teaching practices directly in the classroom, as you will be working in a school for more than 50% of your study programme. At VU Amsterdam, personal attention and individual guidance are top priority. You will have a mentor from VU Amsterdam and a workplace supervisor who is an experienced first-degree subject teacher.
With this specialisation, you will obtain a specialist Master's degree in a STEM discipline and a first-degree teaching qualification (eerstegraads lesbevoegdheid). This means that in two years, you will be qualified to teach both lower and upper secondary vocational education (HAVO/VWO) and pre-university education (VMBO) in the Netherlands. All teachers in the STEM disciplines are also qualified to teach the STEM elective NLT (Nature, Life and Technology).
The teacher training specialisation in the STEM disciplines starts every academic year in September and February, unless you are following a Master's programme in Ecology, Earth Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or Biomedical Technology and Physics. Within these Master's programmes, you can only start the specialisation in September.
Second year
What makes you unique as a STEM teacher? We explore your strengths as a teacher while focussing on personal attention, customisation and guidance. You will follow an integrated programme, which includes a practical component (internship) in secondary education and didactic theory at VU Amsterdam. You will be taught general didactics related to core practices as well as specific subject-related didactics for your school subject. The theory is always applied and tested in practice at the school where you conduct your internship. You will start immediately with the practical component. Internships are arranged by VU Amsterdam.
You can find the complete course overview in the study guide.

In this video, student Bas de Boer and VU medicinal chemist Barbara Zarzycka talk about what you learn during the Computer-Aided Drug Design specialisation. Bas de Boer: "Seeing a molecular basis for a drug interaction and see that this makes sense when you look at experimental data, that really opened my eyes that this is a useful part of the field."

Don't hesitate to get in touch with the specialisation coordinator Daan Geerke. Send an email to d.p.geerke@vu.nl.

You will conduct your major internship in one of the internationally renowned research groups within the Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences at VU Amsterdam, other (academic) institutes or at a company in the Netherlands or abroad. If you conduct your internship at the VU, a PhD student or a postdoctoral researcher will supervise you, and you will be part of a research group, including work discussions and colloquiums.

If you choose the Research specialisation in your second year, you have the option to conduct a second internship at, for instance, a company or an academic institution. Just as with the major internship, this can be performed in the Netherlands or abroad. You can arrange a foreign research internship relatively easily through ULLA, the European Consortium for training in the Pharmaceutical Sciences. The consortium has grants available for Master’s students from ULLA member institutions who study as exchange students at ULLA partner institutions. The Master’s coordinators and other staff members from the Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences can also help you find an opportunity to study abroad, either within the academic world or in the pharmaceutical industry.

After completing this Master’s programme, you can choose to join a PhD programme or directly enter the job market. As a graduate in Drug Discovery Sciences, you can start work as a medicinal chemist, as a product manager at a pharmaceutical company or as a researcher at a hospital laboratory. There are also plenty of opportunities within research institutes and governmental agencies.

Explore your future prospects

Do you have any questions about the curriculum of this programme?

For questions regarding this Master's programme, please contact the programme coordinator Isabel Braadbaart by sending an email to: i.t.braadbaart@vu.nl

Drug Discovery Sciences

Computer-Aided Drug Design

Molecular Pharmacology

Synthesis of Drugs

Molecular Toxicology

Computer-Aided Drug Design

Bioanalytics

Research

Secondary Education Teacher Training for STEM Disciplines

What can you learn during the CADD specialisation?

Do you have questions about this specialisation?

Internships

Change your future with the Drug Discovery Sciences programme

Change your future with the Drug Discovery Sciences programme

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