The master’s programme in Drug Design and Development (direction Medicinal Chemistry) provides a broad overview of the the design and synthesis of bioactive molecules. The students are exposed to applied methods and milestones in the drug discovery and development process, from hands on computer based drug design to pharmacology and biological assessment through lead compound identification, chemical synthesis of lead compound’s analogues and structure-activity relationships, spectroscopy methods and analytical techniques, examples of drug development in selected areas as well as regulatory topics.
The program duration is 4 semesters including lectures and seminars during the initial 2 semesters assessed by written examinations and literature review projects. Students gain indepth knowledge and specialize in selected areas through working for two semesters individually on a research project supervised by a Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory Faculty member.
The programme is aimed towards graduates from Departments of Pharmacy, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology, Agricultural sciences, Medical Schools and other related disciplines. Selection criteria include the degree GPA and the grades in relevant courses (Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Physical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology etc), letters of recommendation, additional degrees or master’s degree in a similar field etc. The candidate's research experience in the field of interest or a similar field, demonstrated by publications or presentations in conferences, is an advantage for eligibility and selection. Graduates from foreign Universities should have a degree recognized by the Hellenic National Recognition and Information Center (DOATAP). The level of English language knowledge should be at least of B2 level.
Each candidate will be required to participate in an interview hosted by the master’s program 5-membered coordinating committee.
Courses (60 ECTS) are held daily on a semester basis in Greek language.
Advanced Medicinal Chemistry Ι (1st semester)
Biochemical and Molecular Pharmacology (1st semester)
Synthetic Strategy for Drug Molecules (1st semester)
Advanced Organic Chemistry Ι (1st semester)
Spectroscopic Methods I (1st semester)
Advanced Organic Chemistry ΙI (2nd semester)
Advanced Medicinal Chemistry IΙ (2nd semester)
Advanced Pharmacology (2nd semester)
Spectroscopic Methods II (2nd semester)
Legislation & Regulatory affairs (2nd semester)
Bibliographical Mearch Methods (2nd semester)
Attendance of 12 seminars (Invited guest lectures)
Research projects (60 ECTS) are performed during the 3rd and 4th semesters and may include the synthesis of bioactive molecules, the evaluation of their pharmacological activity, computer aided drug design, computational molecular biophysics, experimental molecular biophysical methods or a combination of these fields.
A total of 2,800 € tuition fees for the entire programme is paid in three installments, i.e. 700 € per semester. A fees waiver may be granted for students with a low personal or family income according to the relevant legislation. Terms and conditions for potential waiving of tuition fees and for potential subsidy of tuition fees are stated in the program regulations.
Faculty members of the Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy (NKUA): P. Marakos, A. Τsotinis, N. Pouli, E. Μikros, A. Kourounakis, A. Kolocouris, G. Zoidis, I. Kostakis, I. Papanastasiou, N. Lougiakis, V. Myrianthopoulos, G. Lambrinidis. The research thesis project may also be performed in collaboration with faculty members from Pharmacy Department or other Departments (Chemistry, Biology, Medical Schools) or researchers from Research Institutes such as Chemical Biology (NHRF), NCSR Demokritos, Alexander Fleming (BSRC), the Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens etc.