Drug Discovery Sciences

Making biologically active molecules come to life
The Design and Synthesis in Drug Discovery (DSDD) specialisation within the Drug Discovery Sciences Master’s programme focuses on the design and synthesis of biologically active molecules.

This specialisation offers two complementary exciting chemistry-based paths:

• Synthetic Medicinal Chemistry: this path focuses on the use of organic chemistry in a broader interdisciplinary drug and chemical biology setting. Students gain expertise in the organic chemistry of drug-like compounds, biocatalysis, 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 chemical research in academic, company or institute settings alike. This path in the DSDD specialisation is ideal for students passionate about organic chemistry and its critical role in drug discovery, diagnostics, and life sciences. 

     Click here for a personal video made by Specialisation Coordinator Maikel Wijtmans, in which he shares his  
     passion for synthetic medicinal chemistry and gives you an inside look into the VU synthesis laboratories.

• Computer-Aided Drug Design: this path focuses on leveraging molecular modelling and computational (bio)chemistry techniques to understand the biomolecular basis of drug action. Students will explore state-of-the-art methodologies, such as pharmacophore modelling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations, to rationally design next-generation drug compounds and predict their interactions. This path in the DSDD specialisation is ideal 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.

     Click here for a video on the exciting aspects of computer-aided drug design, with an inside look into the   
     VU modeling laboratories.

Curriculum
The study programme of this specialisation consists of compulsory courses (12 ECTS), constrained elective courses (at least 12 ECTS), additional elective modules, and a major research project (48 ECTS), conducted in either an academic, company or institute setting.

The compulsory courses within the DSDD specialisation cover:

• Physical Organic Chemistry: focusing on the physical-chemistry concepts that are essential for both understanding and exercising organic synthesis as well as for understanding drug-ligand interaction.
• Computational Design and Synthesis of Drugs: focusing on the use of molecular modelling and retrosynthetic analysis to discover molecular hits for drug research.

The compulsory courses are complemented by the selection of at least two out of six constrained electives that are chosen depending on the path taken within this specialisation. The constrained elective courses include:

• Synthetic Approaches in Medicinal Chemistry: covering the toolbox of synthetic-organic reactions that drug researchers have at their disposal to prepare biologically interesting organic molecules.
• Computer-Aided Drug Design and Virtual Screening: exploring key concepts in protein homology modelling, chemoinformatics, and structure-based virtual screening, with a focus on ligand discovery, molecular docking, and integrating in silico methods with experimental studies.
• Spectroscopic Approaches in Medicinal Chemistry: exploring various techniques key in safeguarding the identity and purity of synthesised molecules, with an emphasis on advanced 2D NMR spectroscopy.
• Data Analysis in Drug Discovery: learning how to efficiently retrieve, manage, and analyse research data from drug discovery using databases and open-source tools, with a focus on automating data tasks, applying advanced analysis techniques (including AI) and developing robust data management plans.
• Enzymes in Organic Chemistry: exploring the use of enzymes to facilitate smart and sustainable organic synthesis, as inspired by the biocatalytic mechanisms in nature.
• Advanced Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry: learning how to chemically synthesise and use molecules that incorporate short-lived isotopes for use in clinical diagnostics.

Depending on the interest of the student, courses addressing both paths can be selected as electives to become more interdisciplinary trained within the design and synthesis of drugs.

In addition to the compulsory courses and constrained electives, students may choose from further electives, such as additional advanced or broadening courses, a course on didactics of science supervision, a literature thesis, or a minor research project, enabling them to broaden their profile and strengthen their interdisciplinary training.

If you have any questions about the curriculum, please visit the Online Master’s Event on 26 November or contact the specialisation coordinator.

Ideal candidates
The DSDD specialisation is designed for students with a background in organic and physical chemistry and with a keen interest in understanding and exploring the role of chemistry in drug research, chemical biology, and diagnosis. The following background per path in this specialisation is expected:

• Synthetic Medicinal Chemistry path: the candidate has a background in organic synthesis and/or synthetic medicinal chemistry, as evidenced by theoretical courses, practical courses and research internship(s).
• Computer-Aided Drug Design path: the candidate has a background in molecular modelling and/or physical chemistry, as evidenced by theoretical courses, practical courses and research internship(s).

Learn more about admission requirements.

Unravelling the molecular mechanisms behind drug action and their harmful side effects
The Pharmacology and Toxicology in Drug Discovery (PTDD) specialisation within the Drug Discovery Sciences Master’s programme focuses on the beneficial and adverse effects of drugs on biological systems at the molecular and cellular levels.

This specialisation offers two complementary paths:

• Molecular Pharmacology: this path focuses on the intricate mechanisms by which drugs interact with biological systems at the molecular and cellular levels. This track equips students with a profound understanding of receptor pharmacology, signal transduction pathways, and the molecular basis of drug efficacy. Emphasising both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the programme prepares graduates to contribute to the development of novel therapeutics and the optimization of existing drug therapies.

• Molecular Toxicology: this path focuses on the in-depth exploration of the cellular stress responses and the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of pharmaceuticals, as well as food additives, contaminants, environmental pollutants, and industrial chemicals. This track equips students with the knowledge and skills to assess and predict toxicological outcomes, contributing to the development of safer therapeutic agents and protection of public health. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience, the programme prepares graduates to address complex challenges in toxicology and health sciences.

     Click here for a video where VU scientist Anja Wilmes is investigating possibilities to make medicines more
     personal, so that they better match the DNA of your body. 

Curriculum
The study programme of this specialisation consists of compulsory courses (12 ECTS), constrained elective courses (at least 12 ECTS), additional elective modules, and a major research project (48 ECTS), conducted in an academic, company or institute setting.

In addition to the compulsory courses and constrained electives, students may choose from further electives, such as additional advanced or broadening courses, a course on didactics of science supervision, a literature thesis, or a minor research project, enabling them to broaden their profile and strengthen their interdisciplinary training.

The compulsory courses within the PTDD specialisation cover:

• ADME: understanding how absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion influence drug efficacy and safety.
• Advanced pharmacology: focusing on the molecular basis and quantification of drug-target interaction and modulation of cellular responses.

The compulsory courses are complemented by the selection of at least two out of six constrained electives, selected according to the chosen path. The constrained elective courses include:

• Drug Target Biochemistry and Signalling: exploring the pathways and networks involved in cellular responses to drugs.
• Molecular and Cellular Toxicology: understanding of the major stress-response pathways and methods to study the effect of chemicals/drugs on cells.
• 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.
• Biopharmaceutical and 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.
• Advanced Course in Molecular Toxicology: an in-depth exploration of toxicological principles, mechanisms of toxicity, and current research topics in molecular toxicology.
• Data Analysis in Drug Discovery: learning how to efficiently retrieve, manage, and analyse research data from drug discovery using databases and open-source tools, with focuses on automating data tasks, applying advanced analysis techniques (including AI) and developing robust data management plans.

Depending on the student’s interests, courses from both paths can be selected as electives to become interdisciplinarily trained in the field of pharmacology and toxicology.

If you have any questions about the curriculum, please visit the Online Master’s Event on 26 November or contact the specialisation coordinator.

Ideal candidates
This specialisation is designed for students with a BSc or BASc background in medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, cellular biology, or related fields, and a keen interest in understanding the molecular basis of drug actions and/or toxicity. A commitment to scientific research and a passion for innovation in therapeutic discovery and development, and/or improving public health through the study of toxicology are essential qualities for prospective students.

Learn more about admission requirements.

Unravelling molecular insights in drug discovery
The Bioanalytics in Drug Discovery (BADD) specialisation within the Master’s programme in Drug Discovery Sciences focuses on advanced analytical techniques central to modern drug discovery and development. Students gain expertise in state-of-the-art methods, including mass spectrometry, chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, to investigate drug candidates, their metabolites, their interactions with protein-based targets, and the molecular mechanisms underpinning therapeutic interventions. This specialisation is designed for students eager to apply cutting-edge bioanalytical tools to improve drug efficacy, deepen their understanding of disease mechanisms, and contribute to the creation of safer, more effective therapies. Students also receive dedicated training in metabolomics and proteomics. With a strong emphasis on practical experience and interdisciplinary collaboration, the programme equips graduates for impactful careers in pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, and any other career avenues involving bioanalytical chemistry expertise.

Click here for a video about what you can learn during the Bioanalytics specialisation.

Curriculum
The study programme of this specialisation consists of compulsory courses (12 ECTS), constrained elective courses (at least 12 ECTS), additional elective modules, and a major research project (48 ECTS), conducted in either an academic, a company or an institute setting in the Netherlands or abroad.

The compulsory courses within the BADD specialisation cover:

• Biopharmaceuticals & Biopharma Proteomics: understanding the development, characterisation, and bioanalytical techniques for biopharmaceuticals, with a focus on monoclonal antibodies, venoms-to-drugs pipelines, and proteomics in drug discovery.
• 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.

The compulsory courses are complemented by the selection of minimally two out of six constrained electives. The constrained elective courses include:

• ADME: understanding how absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion influence drug efficacy and safety.
• Drug Target Biochemistry and Signalling: exploring the pathways and networks involved in cellular responses to drugs.
• Spectroscopic Approaches in Medicinal Chemistry: exploring various techniques key to safeguarding the identity and purity of synthesised molecules, with an emphasis on advanced 2D NMR spectroscopy.
• Separation Sciences: exploring the fundamentals and applications of chromatography and electrophoresis, including topics such as instrumentation, sample preparation, separation performance, gradient elution, two-dimensional gas chromatography, and polymer analysis.
• Biocatalysis for a Sustainable Future: exploring the use of enzymes to facilitate smart and sustainable organic synthesis, as inspired by the biocatalytic mechanisms in nature.
• Data Analysis in Drug Discovery: learning how to efficiently retrieve, manage, and analyse research data from drug discovery using databases and open-source tools, with a focus on automating data tasks, applying advanced analysis techniques (including AI) and developing robust data management plans.

In addition to the compulsory courses and constrained electives, students may choose from further electives, such as additional advanced or broadening courses, a course on didactics of science supervision, a literature thesis, or a minor research project, enabling them to broaden their profile and strengthen their interdisciplinary training.

If you have any questions about the curriculum, please visit the Online Master’s Event on 26 November or contact the specialisation coordinator.

Ideal candidates
The BADD specialisation is designed for students with a background in analytical chemistry, as evidenced by theoretical courses, practical courses, and preferably a research internship in the field. They also have a strong interest in applying analytical techniques to investigate drug action and disease mechanisms.

Learn more about admission requirements.

From lab to classroom
The Educational specialisation within the Drug Discovery Sciences Master’s programme is designed for those who want to pursue a teaching career. The programme starts with a first year consisting of courses in drug discovery sciences and a research internship. In the second year, students follow the Dutch teacher training program, which leads to a qualification to teach at secondary and vocational education levels. Please note that the second year of this track is taught in Dutch.

Curriculum
The Educational specialisation offers a tightly structured programme: the first year focuses on building subject-specific expertise in drug discovery sciences, while the second year is dedicated to applying this knowledge in teaching practice.

Year 1: Drug Discovery Sciences

This year covers:

• Compulsory DDS courses (12 ECTS):
  • ADME: understanding how absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion influence drug efficacy and safety.
  • Computational Design and Synthesis of Drugs: focusing on the use of molecular modelling and retrosynthetic analysis to discover molecular hits for drug research.
• Elective modules (18 ECTS): within this component, you choose courses based on your interests and the topic of your research internship. We strongly recommend the course Computer-Aided Drug Design and Virtual Screening (6 ECTS). Please note that if you have not completed the bachelor’s programme in Pharmaceutical Sciences at VU, you are required to take two additional Principles courses (12 ECTS) within this component.
• Research internship (30 ECTS): usually running from February to July. The education major project primarily focused on modelling, dry lab internships and in silico experiments. Contact the specialisation coordinator for more information about possible projects.

Year 2: Teacher education covers:

• Fully focused on the Dutch teacher education programme, which combines coursework with teaching practice in schools.
• Includes a second internship of 24 ECTS in a school setting, where you will develop your teaching skills under supervision of experienced first-degree teachers.
• For more information about teacher education year, see the second year page.

Because of the strict planning, courses from the first year cannot be shifted into the second year. The specialisation coordinator will guide you in planning your first year, while a dedicated education coordinator will support you during the second year.

For detailed information about the individual courses, please see the Study Guide.

Ideal candidate
The Educational specialisation is intended for students with a strong background in (bio)chemistry who are eager to share their knowledge with the next generation. It is the right choice for those who want to combine their expertise in drug discovery sciences with pedagogy and obtain a formal qualification to teach chemistry at Dutch secondary and vocational education level.